Two growing urban regions: a comparisation of growth management strategies in the Helsinki region and the Brisbane region

Abstract

This article focuses on population growth and growth management strategies in two growing city regions: the Helsinki region in Finland and South-east Queensland in Australia. Population growth is examined at the central city (Brisbane and Helsinki) and metropolitan or regional level (Helsinki region or Uusimaa, and SEQ). Growth management strategies are examined using the latest strategic plans prepared by the main actors responsible for urban and regional planning in these two regions. To better understand selected growth management strategies, a survey of the administrative framework is provided for both regions.

Statistics show that the relative population growth over the past ten years has been very intensive in both urban areas. Signs of suburbanisation were well visible in Helsinki and Brisbane during 1970's, although there were also some clear differences in the pattern and distribution of growth. In the 1980's, and particularly after 1994, the central cities again increased their attractiveness.

In managing urban growth, both regions focus on strategies sustaining and strengthening those comparative regional advantages that lie behind the growth of the region. In the plans of Brisbane and SEQ, land-use, environment, ecologically sustainable development and water maintenance evolve as major issues for future action. In Helsinki, however, the strategy has been strongly based on increasing the competitive abilities of enterprises, the region, internationalisation and information society advancement. A consistency of policies between government agencies and levels is urged in both regions for the institutional system of growth management.