From Urban Clusters to Megaregions: Mapping Australia's Evolving Urban Regions
M.K.M Ng, Z. Shabrina, S. Sarkar, H. Han, C. Pettit

TL;DR
This paper uses percolation theory to analyze the hierarchical organization and connectivity of Australian urban regions, revealing their development into integrated megaregions and emphasizing the need for coordinated governance.
Contribution
It introduces a novel application of percolation theory to map and understand the evolution of Australia's urban clusters into megaregions, highlighting urban connectivity and disconnection.
Findings
Identification of key distance thresholds for urban integration
Revealed dichotomy of urban agglomeration forces
Highlighted spatial disconnection and need for coordinated planning
Abstract
This study employs percolation theory to investigate the hierarchical organisation of Australian urban centres through the connectivity of their road networks. The analysis demonstrates how discrete urban clusters have developed into integrated regional entities, delineating the pivotal distance thresholds that regulate these urban transitions. The study reveals the interconnections between disparate urban clusters, shaped by their functional differentiation and historical development. Furthermore, the study identifies a dichotomy of urban agglomeration forces and a persistent spatial disconnection between Australia's wider urban landscape. This highlights the interplay between urban densification and peripheral growth. It suggests the need for new thinking on potential integrated governance structures that bridge urban development with broader social and economic policies across…
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Taxonomy
TopicsRural development and sustainability
