Melbourne Metropolitan Area Research Articles

An Approach for Measuring Spatial Accessibility to Services/Facilities by Urban Community Aged Population

Abstract. Population aging is a global trend and a world-wide challenge to many governments. The high-quality life of the elderly cannot be separated from the support of basic services and facilities. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct analysis and research on the accessibility of urban community services and facilities. It is worth noting that the research in this article is based on master thesis (Bai, 2013). Drawing on the data, methods, and conclusions from the master's thesis, in this paper, an approach is designed for measuring spatial accessibility to services/facilities by a spatially dispersed ageing population in urban areas. The local government area (LGA) of Monash in the Melbourne metropolitan area has been selected the case study area. This study combines GIS-based spatial analytical procedures and two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, in conjunction with mesh block level 2011 population data, service/facility data and transportation network data, to measure and map spatial variations in potential accessibility to services and facilities deemed essential to the aged population. Service facilities considered in the study include bus stops, train stations, bank facilities, shopping centres, post offices, churches, parks, public libraries, community centres, pharmacies, GP clinics and hospitals in Monash LGA. The research results can be used to optimize the spatial planning and layout of public facilities for ageing population.

Data-driven Strategies for Affordable Housing: A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning Optimization Model in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area

Abstract. The escalating rental crisis in Australia, rooted in demographic dynamics, a scarcity of lands suitable for development and the influence of interest rates and government subsidies, necessitates innovative solutions for housing affordability. One promising approach is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. Nevertheless, these efforts must be guided by well-informed policies as they are required to cater to the diverse needs of the stakeholders involved. Accordingly, this study aims to prioritize suburbs in the Melbourne Metropolitan area for the construction of apartment/unit buildings, benefiting both builders/investors and renters. Leveraging a hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning (GA-ML) framework, multi-objective optimization models are developed to rank 105 suburbs based on key parameters for both builders/investors and renters. The optimization process seeks to maximize economic outlook and rental yields for builders/investors while minimizing rents and commuting distances for renters, in addition to proximity to essential amenities. First, an initial optimization using GA based on six key parameters is performed considering a linear multi-objective function. Subsequently, ML-based objective functions are defined using Random Forest (RF) and extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models to refine the optimization model for suburb rankings. The evaluation reveals strong correlations between GA and GA-XGB rankings, suggesting the effectiveness of the GA-XGBoost model in prioritizing suburbs. Notably, suburbs consistently prioritized across all models include Brunswick, Coburg, Preston and Reservoir, highlighting their suitability for apartment/unit building construction. By directing attention to specific suburbs aligned with different stakeholders' needs and preferences, this study contributes to a more sustainable and equitable housing landscape.

A dynamic discrete choice modelling approach for forward-looking travel mode choices

In this paper, we present a systematic approach based on dynamic discrete choice models (DDCM) to investigate individuals’ forward-looking mode choice behaviours in daily travel tours with multiple destinations. We propose a novel network transformation model that encompasses the entire decision space of all feasible mode combinations for every observed trip/tour in the dataset. By applying the well-established Recursive Logit model structure commonly used in path choice modelling, we address the tour mode choice problem effectively and quantify forward looking considerations in the mode choice process. The proposed model captures the complex considerations individuals take into account when making mode choices. The network transformation incorporates downstream mode limitations into the preceding mode choice options, enabling us to model individuals’ forward-looking behaviour and gain insights into how considerations of future trips such as a shopping in the evening, or school pick-up trip influence previous mode choice decisions earlier in the day. Uncovering and quantifying these hidden forward-looking factors can help modellers better explain the private car usage usually observed for the entire sequences of daily trips, even in presence of competitive alternative modes. The proposed network transformation also enables us to measure the effect of the requirement/preference to return private vehicles (car, motorcycle, and bicycle) home on mode choices in home-bound trips, and subsequently, on the entire daily mode choice decisions. To validate the proposed model, we utilise the VISTA household travel survey data from the Melbourne Metropolitan area in Australia. The model is compared against baseline models, demonstrating its statistical advantages. Additionally, intuitive illustrations using the data showcase the model’s efficacy. From transport planning and policy perspective, tour-based mode choice modelling provides a more comprehensive and precise understanding of travel behaviour by considering the sequence of trips made by an individual. This can help capture the interactions and dependencies between different trips, which trip-based models may overlook. The proposed model is more suitable for analysing the effects of policy interventions like congestion pricing, public transport investments, or new mobility initiatives, as they can better represent the cascading effects of such policies across multiple trips.

Smart Insertion Strategies for Sustainable Operation of Shared Autonomous Vehicles

As shared autonomous vehicles (SAV) emerge as an economical and feasible mode of transportation in modern cities, effective optimization models are essential to simulate their service. Traditional optimization approaches, based on first-come-first-served principles, often result in sub-optimal outcomes and, more notably, can impact public transport (PT) operations by creating unnecessary competition. This study introduces four insertion strategies within the MATSim model of the Melbourne Metropolitan Area, addressing these challenges. Two strategies optimize SAV operations by considering overall network costs, and the other two make insertion decisions based on the available PT service in the network. The findings show that strategic insertions of the requests can significantly enhance SAV service quality by improving the vehicle load and decreasing vehicle and empty kilometers traveled per ride. The analysis indicates that these strategies are particularly effective for smaller fleet sizes, leading to an increased number of served rides and a more equitable distribution of wait times across the network, reflected in an improved Gini Index. The findings suggest that prioritization-based insertions significantly enhance service quality by prioritizing users with limited access to PT, ensuring that those with fewer PT options are served first, and encouraging a more integrated and sustainable urban transportation system.

Can The Spatial Structure of a Metropolitan Area Bring Regional Economic Benefits? — A Case Study of Melbourne

ABSTRACT The metropolitan area is a manifestation of a particular stage of urbanization. This study establishes a general development law for metropolitan areas, which consists of three stages: origin, expansion, and maturity. To better understand the economic benefits of these development strategies, we selected the Melbourne metropolitan area as a case study. By quantifying the spatial structure and visualizing the spatial layout of the Melbourne metropolitan area, the results reflect the characteristics of its development mode. On the basis of the index calculation and econometric analysis, this study then evaluates the impact of this kind of spatial structure on the economic benefits of the entire area. Our findings indicate that: 1) the population and industry in Melbourne are dispersed; 2) the current spatial structure of the Melbourne metropolitan area enhances regional economic benefits; 3) the spatial structure of the Melbourne metropolitan area has the potential to further cultivate its dominant industries, allowing the area to become a competitive regional pole in Australia; 4) the financial sector can promote local economic gains, investment, and job creation; 5) benefits from Melbourne may spill over to other regions in Victoria State, eventually forming an urban agglomeration that includes Geelong.

“A balancing act of keeping the faith and maintaining wellbeing”: perspectives from Australian faith communities during the pandemic

PurposeThe pandemic presented many new challenges is all spheres of life including faith communities. Around the globe, lockdowns took pace at various stages with varying restrictions that included the closure of places of worship which significantly affected the way people serve God and gather as a community. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the wellbeing and resilience of members of Christian faith communities in Melbourne (Australia) who had experienced one of the longest lockdowns in the world.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw on online survey N = 106 collected between November 2021 and May 2021. Participants were over the age of 18 from Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church, Baptist and Pentecostal/Evangelical faith communities. They employ thematic analysis to analyze, and code open-ended responses from four questions in relation to the research question: In what ways has your wellbeing been impacted during the pandemic?FindingsMelbourne experienced one of the longest lockdown periods in the world between 2020 and 2021 when blended modes of worship forced people to congregate in new and different ways. The empirical insights of participants express their views in relation to celebrating faith and hope, connecting with community, pursuing leisure activities and pursuing leisure in relation to the PERMA model of wellbeing. The findings may resonate with other faith communities in Melbourne and around the globe. They may also lead to new and innovative ways of planning and envisioning modes of worship that may be helpful in a variety of faith contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited by its sample size (N = 106) and its geographical restriction of Christian faith communities in the Melbourne metropolitan area. This means that broad generalizations cannot be made. Nevertheless, the findings may resonate with other faith communities in Australian and in other parts of the world.Practical implicationsIn highlighting the impact COVID-19 had in Australia and ways people balanced their sense of faith and wellbeing, this study raises concerns about the lack of funding that supports mental health initiatives in faith settings and the wider community. The study recommends that faith community leaders and members use informal communication channels to foster hope building wellbeing and resilience, and that pastoral care networks be established in the wider community to promote leisure activities that nurtures social connection, builds faith and resilience.Social implicationsWhilst the pandemic has provided new openings for members of faith communities to engage with God, the scriptures, each other and leisure, it remains “a balancing act of keeping the faith and maintaining wellbeing”. Such a balancing act may positively enliven a sense of wellbeing and resilience as people continue to navigate the uncertainty inherent in a milieu beginning to be named as “post-Covid”.Originality/valueThis is an original work carried out by the authors. It raises concerns about the lack of funding that supports mental health initiatives in faith settings and the wider community. While much research, news and social media discussed the pandemic's impact on communities, there is an urgent need for ongoing research that encourages, supports and connects people to faith and to leisure activities in order to promote a continued sense of wellbeing as communities begin to transition to a “post-Covid” world. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge about the impact COVID-19 had in Australia and ways people balanced their sense of faith and wellbeing.

GIS Analysis of Adequate Accessibility to Public Transportation in Metropolitan Areas

The public transport system plays an important role in a city as it moves people from one place to another efficiently and economically. The public transport network must be organized in a way that will cover as many places and as much of the population as possible, and support the city’s growth. As one of Australia’s largest capital cities, Melbourne is growing and expanding its metropolitan area to reflect the growth in population and an increased number of activities. To date, little research has been conducted to determine the accessibility and adequacy of public transport taking into consideration the blank spot areas, the number of public transport options for each area, the population density within specific geographical areas, and other issues. In this study, a new measurement model is developed that examines public transport in residential areas and the extent to which it is adequate for the various local government areas (LGAs). An accessibility approach is adopted to evaluate the accessibility of different types of public transportation in residential areas in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The results show that in most LGAs, the number of blank spots will decrease as the population density increases. This indicates that residents in lower-density areas will have less accessibility to public transportation. However, there is no indication that there is a greater level of services (such as more night-time and weekend public transportation services) in the high-density areas. This research is significant as it will point to and help to improve the areas with inadequate public transportation and other issues, taking into consideration their geographical locations and population density.

Hypocenter, Fault Plane, and Rupture Characterization of Australian Earthquakes: Application to the September 2021 Mw 5.9 Woods Point Earthquake

AbstractThe Australian Seismometers in Schools (AuSIS) network operates 50 broadband seismic stations across Australia that are hosted at schools. The instruments augment the Australian National Seismograph Network providing valuable data from urban and regional Australia. The network coverage is quite sparse, but these vital records of rare, moderate Australian earthquakes can improve our understanding of the deformation within the stable continental region of Australia, especially for events with no surface rupture. In this study, we present the feasibility of identifying the fault plane of moderate earthquakes on the Australian continent, using data from the AuSIS network. We examine the fault plane of the September 2021 Mw 5.9 Woods Point earthquake that occurred about 130 km northeast of the Melbourne metropolitan area. We estimate the hypocenter and the centroid moment tensor (CMT) to identify the fault plane from the auxiliary plane in the focal mechanism. We explore a range of 1D models and a 3D Earth model to simulate seismic arrivals and full waveform data. The hypocenter is resolved using P- and S-wave arrivals in a probabilistic framework and the CMT is derived from full waveform modeling through grid search over a set of trial points around the hypocenter. Our solution suggests the mainshock ruptured the depth of 15 ± 4 km, with a strike-slip mechanism striking 348° north on a nearly vertical plane. The high double-couple percentage of this event indicates a simple rupture that propagated from the south (hypocenter) toward the north (centroid) and remained subsurface. This indicates that the causative fault had a deeper structure than the previously known shallow, northwest–southeast-striking faults of the region. The P and T axes deduced from our fault model are notably aligned with the maximum horizontal crustal stress in the region.

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition, Greek Adaptation (WAIS-IV GR): confirmatory factor analysis and specific reference group normative data for Greek Australian older adults

ABSTRACT Objectives In the absence of reliable and valid neuropsychological measures, accurate assessment of culturally diverse groups is a challenge facing the Australian neuropsychological community. This study aimed to investigate the construct validity and to develop specific reference group norms using the WAIS-IV Greek adaption (WAIS-IV GR) for Greek Australian older adults. Method A convenience sample of 90 healthy older Greek Australians (M = 77.14 ± 4.46; range = 70–85; 39 males & 51 females), with a primary school level of education (M = 5.60 ± 0.68; Range = 4–6) were recruited throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area. Results Regression modelling showed that age was the most significant predictor, therefore, subtest normative data were stratified according to three age bands. Normative data for all WAIS-IV GR subtests and indices were calculated, in addition to values for the 90% and 95% confidence levels. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a four-factor solution consisting of the WAIS-IV GR Index Scores displayed a superior fit with significant parameters of acceptable magnitude. Conclusion Findings support the application of the traditional WAIS-IV factor structure to a Greek Australian sample. Utilising specific reference group norms for Greek Australians with limited education will facilitate and improve access of cognitive assessment within this population.

A survey of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy environment in Melbourne, Australia.

A wide variety of modern technologies make use of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME) to provide convenient functions and services to users. The rise in the use of RF EME-enabled devices has led to public perception of increasing exposures and concerns about potential health effects. During March and April 2022, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency conducted an intensive campaign to measure and characterise ambient RF EME levels within the Melbourne metropolitan area. Fifty locations across the city were visited, and a wide variety of signals in the frequency range 100kHz to 6GHz were detected and recorded including broadcast radio and television (TV), Wi-Fi and mobile telecommunications services. The highest measured total RF EME level was 2.85mW/m2, which is equivalent to 0.14% of the relevant limit specified by the Australian Standard (RPS S-1). The results showed that broadcast radio signals were the largest contributor to measured RF EME levels at 30 locations across the suburbs, whereas downlink signals from mobile phone towers were the main contributor at the other 20 sites. Broadcast TV and Wi-Fi were the only other sources found to contribute more than 1% of the total RF EME exposure recorded at any site. All measured RF EME levels were well below the permitted limit for general public exposure given by RPS S-1 and therefore do not present a health hazard.

The Greek Australian neuropsychological normative study: tests & norms for Greek Australians aged 70-85 years

ABSTRACT Objective Access to valid and reliable neuropsychological measures for use with culturally diverse groups in Australia is limited. The aim of this study was to adapt and translate a selection of English language neuropsychological tests, employ several existing standardised Greek language tests, and provide specific reference group normative data for Greek Australian older adults. Method A convenience sample of 90 healthy older Greek Australians (M = 77.14 ± 4.46; range = 70–85), with a primary school level of education (M = 5.60 ± 0.68; Range = 4–6), was recruited throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area. Several neuropsychological measures were administered which assessed domains such as verbal and visual memory, confrontational naming, and executive functions. Results Regression modelling revealed that age, education and sex predicted between 5% and 35% of the variance of test scores, with age being the most significant predictor of performance across a majority of measures. Therefore, the normative data for all tests were stratified according to three age bands (70–74, 75–79, 80–85). Conclusions The use of culture-specific tests and norms for assessment of older Greek-Australians with limited education may facilitate accuracy of assessment findings, improve diagnostic outcomes, and reduce misclassification.

The impact of the 21 November 2016 epidemic thunderstorm asthma event on general practice clinics in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.

On 21 November 2016, parts of Victoria experienced a devastating epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) event. Theaim of this study was to describe theepidemiology and burden of the 2016 ETSA event atMedicineInsight-registered general practices in the Melbourne metropolitan area in Victoria, Australia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using patient record data from 21-23 November 2016. Codes were developed to identify all patients presenting to MedicineInsight-registered general practices with asthma during the 2016 ETSA event. During the event, there were 787 moreasthma-related encounters to MedicineInsight general practices than expected, which represented a 7.1-fold increase (605% increase). Estimates suggest that there were between approximately 8940 and 13,689 more asthma-related encounters than expected across metropolitan Melbourne. General practices were significantly affected by the 2016 ETSA event. This work highlights the important part that general practices play in responding to ETSA events and the need for these practices to be prepared to respond.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma

A decision support system for prioritised COVID-19 two-dosage vaccination allocation and distribution

This study proposes a decision support system (DSS) that integrates GIS, analytics, and simulation methods to help develop a priority-based distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in a large urban setting. The methodology applies novel hierarchical heuristic-simulation procedures to create a holistic algorithm for prioritising the process of demand allocation and optimising vaccine distribution. The Melbourne metropolitan area in Australia with a population of over five million is used as a case study. Three vaccine supply scenarios, namely limited, excessive, and disruption, were formulated to operationalise a two-dose vaccination program. Vaccine distribution with hard constraints were simulated and then further validated with sensitivity analyses. The results show that vaccines can be prioritised to society’s most vulnerable segments and distributed using the current logistics network with 10 vehicles. Compared with other vaccine distribution plans with no prioritisation, such as equal allocation of vaccines to local government areas based on population size or one on a first-come-first-serve basis, the plans generated by the proposed DSS ensure prioritised vaccination of the most needed and vulnerable population. The aim is to curb the spread of the infection and reduce mortality rate more effectively. They also achieve vaccination of the entire population with less logistical resources required. As such, this study contributes to knowledge and practice in pandemic vaccine distribution and enables governments to make real-time decisions and adjustments in daily distribution plans. In this way any unforeseen disruptions in the vaccine supply chain can be coped with.

Consumers perception of aquaponics in Australia: A survey

Aquaponics, an integrated system with both hydroponic plant production and aquaculture fish production, is an expanding alternative agriculture system. Many key questions about the overall feasibility of aquaponic systems remain unanswered. Of particular concern for start-up and established producers alike are consumer perceptions and willingness to pay for aquaponic produce and fish. This study reports results and analysis of a consumer survey about perceptions and preferences for aquaponic-grown products that was conducted in Melbourne Metropolitan Area (MMA), Australia. The results represent a first step toward building knowledge about the potential consumer base for aquaponics, which is a critical piece in the system’s potential overall profitability. It appears that consumer education and marketing will be key for the expansion of the market.

Rainfall retrieval using commercial microwave links: Effect of sampling strategy on retrieval accuracy

This study presents the first evaluation of using commercial microwave link (CML) data for rainfall measurements in Australia, with the test site being the greater Melbourne Metropolitan area. More than 100 CMLs with microwave frequency ranging between 10 and 40 GHz have been used for the rainfall retrieval. The 15-minute received signal levels (RSLs) for each CML based on two sampling strategies (average and minimum/maximum) collected for 2 years provided a unique dataset to compare performances of rainfall retrievals. The open source algorithm RAINLINK was used for deriving rainfall from the 15-minute RSL data. From two years of data, a subset of 30 rainy days distributed across this period were used for calibrating the RAINLINK parameters, with the remaining data used for validation. For this study, only path-averaged rainfall intensities were validated based on a gauge-adjusted radar product serving as the reference. The result of the wet-dry classification showed that the minimum and maximum RSL data performed better, with lower probability of false detection and higher Matthews correlation coefficient than average RSL data. For the rainfall retrieval, both datasets showed similar correlation with the gauge adjusted radar product. However, based on other statistics (RMSE, bias and CV) minimum and maximum RSL data outperformed average for the rainfall retrieval. Overall, this study highlights the robust accuracy of commercial microwave links for rainfall retrieval while using only minimum and maximum RSL data.

A clustering method for measuring accessibility and equity in public transportation service: Case study of Melbourne

This paper proposes a Modified Cumulative Accessibility (MCA) measure incorporating actual travel demand information (Origin-Destination trip patterns) to improve the accuracy of the measure as a reliable proxy for equity evaluation and amelioration in accessing Public Transportation (PT) services. The travel demand information is reflected into the MCA measure by evaluating and clustering PT and Private Vehicle Transportation (PVT) trip diaries. Both vertical and horizontal equities are measured for the network's Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs). To redress the inequities, a priority list of operational recommendations for each TAZ is identified. The proposed method is tested with the Greater Melbourne area datasets and the TAZs with the highest inequity along with prescribed operational recommendations are identified. In terms of equitable distribution of public transportation service, a major observation from the case study model was that the outer suburban areas located in the eastern side of the the Melbourne metropolitan area are relatively underserved as compared to the inner and western suburbs.

Developing a Metropolitan-Wide Urban Forest Strategy for a Large, Expanding and Densifying Capital City: Lessons from Melbourne, Australia

Urban forests provide many ecosystem services, such as reducing heat, improving air quality, treatment of stormwater, carbon sequestration, as well as biodiversity benefits. These benefits have resulted in increasing demand for urban forests and strategies to maintain and enhance this natural infrastructure. In response to a broader resilience strategy for Melbourne, Australia, we outline how a metropolitan-wide urban forest strategy (Living Melbourne) was developed, encompassing multiple jurisdictions and all land tenures. To this end, we mapped tree cover within the Melbourne metropolitan area, modelled potential habitat for some bird species, and investigated the role of tree cover for urban heat island mitigation. We outline the consultation and governance frameworks used to develop the strategy, the vision, goals and actions recommended, including canopy and shrub cover targets for different parts of the metropolitan area. The metropolitan-wide urban forest strategy acts as an overarching framework to guide local government authorities and various stakeholders towards a shared objective of increasing tree cover in Melbourne and we discuss the outcomes and lessons from this approach.

Assessing vegetation response to irrigation strategies and soil properties in an urban reserve in southeast Australia

Increasing urban green spaces and canopy cover requires careful planning of irrigation strategies, especially in arid and semiarid areas. This study investigates how vegetation cover and irrigation affect the water balance and vegetation productivity of a small urban reserve in the Melbourne metropolitan area, Australia. Using a mechanistic ecohydrological model, a series of numerical experiments were carried out for the period 1999–2018, which included a prolonged drought. Results indicated that irrigation played an essential role in helping both trees and grass productivity by increasing soil moisture and vegetation water access during the drought. With 10% tree cover, grass benefitted more than trees by increasing irrigation, and trees coped well with drought even without additional water. However, trees strongly relied on irrigation to maintain productivity when tree cover increased, highlighting the need for a sustainable balance between increasing urban greening and water conservation. Differences in soil properties and rooting strategies were also found to strongly modify the need for irrigation and the competition for water. These results provide quantitative insights on how increasing tree cover and vegetation diversity may impact irrigation requirements, highlighting the key role of mechanistic numerical models to support urban planners in the evaluation and design of urban green spaces.

THE IMPACT OF URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARIES IN MELBOURNE ON URBAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The consensus of using the compact city as a model for urban sustainable development has inevitably led to governments restricting outer urban expansion as an urban management tool. Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) have become one of the most widely used policy tools to achieve this goal. To evaluate the impact of UGBs on urban sustainable development in Melbourne, Australia, we compare the temporal and spatial changes of population, dwelling density, and growth before and after the implementation of the UGB policy in the Melbourne metropolitan area. The results indicate that, since the implementation of the UGB policy, the urban population, dwelling density, and growth have significantly accelerated; however, nearly half of the new population is located on the urban fringe. Based on the pressure of population growth, the UGB in Melbourne has been adjusted frequently, which has reduced its binding force on urban growth. Herein, we focus on the reasons for amendments to the Melbourne UGB, namely, urban density and the intensity of urban land use and compare the UGB policies of the Melbourne and Portland, Oregon (USA), metropolitan areas. We argue that the state government should restrict urban growth boundaries and increase urban density. At the same time, UGB policy must be coordinated with broader government policy, such as urban land use, urban transportation, and environmental planning, and a mechanism should be established to release land supply in defined areas. In addition, governments should expand public participation in the UGB amendment process and in supporting the implementation of the UGB policy