About SOAC 2007
SOAC2007 will focus on the contemporary form and structure of Australian
cities. The over-arching theme of the conference will be:
Growth, Sustainability and Vulnerability of Urban Australia
The conference will be an opportunity for Australian and international
academics to explore urban issues in Australia. The purpose of the
conference is to report on current research into issues of urban and
regional sustainability, to discuss the research with practitioners and
policy makers, to identify research gaps and to improve our understanding of
the state of Australian cities. It will also contribute to the development
of early career researchers and government officers by offering them a forum
to critically discuss their research.
The Conference will have four broad themes:
1. To review the condition of the contemporary Australian city, based on
current empirical evidence, as a means of better understanding current
patterns, processes and drivers of change, including those related to
population trends, environmental pressures and globalisation.
2. To identify research gaps and suggest areas that should be given priority
for future research funding.
3. To identify and showcase policy relevant research.
4. To provide a space for dialogue between researchers, policy makers and
practitioners.
The Conference will provide a focus for new urban scholarship by bringing
together the most prominent academics working in this area in Australia with
new researchers and others who are interested in the Australian city.
The Conference is aimed at (1) advancing understanding between leading
researchers about the state of Australian cities; (2) leading to a better
understanding of the research needs of Australian cities; and (3) providing
those in the public and private sectors with a better appreciation of the
current status of research and the capacities of researchers.
Professor Steve Hamnett,
Conference Chair