Course overview
This course will provide students with an understanding of the role of urban and regional planning in mitigating and adapting to climate change, in supporting sustainable development through planning, and in coordinating objectives for environmental quality in both spatial planning policy making and development assessment decisions. Students will examine the processes, tools and techniques of environmental planning and sustainable development within the context of climate change. Students will develop an understanding of the potential impacts of policies, programs and plans on the environment from both an Australian and international perspective, including a critical review of tools currently used, such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Students will develop skills and knowledge of environmental assessment processes by conducting a quality appraisal of an environmental impact statement, a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Life Cycle Sustainability Appraisal, and an Environmental Impact Assessment of a development project.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the environmental impact assessment policy, project life cycle assessment and sustainability appraisal in international and Australian contexts
- Critically apply elements of the technique within different statutory frameworks
- Critically appraise the value of techniques and discuss their future development and application
- Project manage the preparation of an Environmental Statement from scoping and specification writing through to final completion
- Combine technical and academic environmental knowledge and skills with professional, management and consulting skills