Before developing the precinct’s transport network, consider the wider transport network and the key destinations (including metropolitan, strategic and local centres) beyond the precinct. Identify the desired long-term outcomes the transport network needs to support, as shown in Figure 7. As well as supporting movement between places, the transport network can form a place in its own right or may be a component of the place in which it is situated.

In greenfield precincts, this means integrating the precinct’s transport network with the wider transport network and key destinations beyond the precinct. Brownfield precincts may have established networks; however, you need to evaluate whether these networks are fit for purpose for the precinct’s current context and desired outcomes. For example, new key destinations or transport connections may have emerged since the precinct’s establishment, and they may require better integration with the precinct’s transport network.

Figure 7: Understanding the precinct's context and desired outcomes

Note: this diagram illustrates journeys within a district (not intercity or regional journeys).

Understand the precinct’s context, cultural significance and planning intent using the Movement and Place Built Environment Indicators

Undertake a multidisciplinary site review and context analysis early in the precinct planning process, involving designers, planners and other specialists, to understand key characteristics and the planning intent. This will inform the foundation of a network plan that serves the precinct’s residents, workers and visitors. Use the Movement and Place Built Environment Indicators as a starting point:

• Access and connection theme measures the user outcomes of mode choice, reliable transport and equity (of access). These user outcomes demonstrate how well-connected a place is and how equitable the transport network is.
• Amenity and use theme explores the mix of local opportunities and convenient facilities. The design, planning, and management of streets and roads need to consider potential impacts on the amenity of adjacent places – public spaces and land use.
• Character and form theme explores whether a place is human-scaled and celebrates its distinct features. When the blocks, lots and connections which adjoin our transport network are designed at a human scale, they encourage walking and active lifestyles and interaction between people through the use of varied and active frontages.
• Green and blue theme refers to the network of green spaces (including ‘blue’ water systems) that deliver multiple environmental, economic, and social values and benefits to communities. This network includes parks and reserves, backyards and gardens, waterways and wetlands, drainage corridors, streets and transport corridors, pathways and greenways, squares and plazas, tree canopy, roof gardens and ‘living’ walls, sports fields, and cemeteries.

• Comfort and safety theme explores whether streets and roads are sensitive to place with self-explaining speed limits and infrastructure that aligns with the surrounding context. It also considers other forms of safety, such as personal safety.

An analysis of future travel patterns may employ benchmarking against existing successful precincts in NSW or other jurisdictions that deliver the desired movement and place outcomes.

Identify the vision for the precinct’s transport network

A precinct’s network plan should be informed by the cross-government visioning process and the desired outcomes for the precinct and its surrounding area. This is usually documented in various local and statewide strategies and plans. At this stage, it is important to understand and communicate the likely cadastral patterns, development practices, and built form types at the scale of streets or roads, beyond relying on the land-use plan, an abstract vision or a large-scale map.

For example, suppose a new metro station is planned for the precinct. In that case, some of the transport network’s desired outcomes may be, for example, to create a walkable core within 800m of the station, provide direct cycleways to all cardinal directions to facilitate cycling trips up to 2km to and from the station, create a high-quality bus interchange at the station, and provide direct, frequent buses that connect the station with nearby precincts. These outcomes can be translated into initial sketches that reflect the outcome at the scale of streets, roads and buildings.

Identify key centres, places and precincts and how the transport network can connect them

Identify the key centres, places and precincts to connect to within and beyond the precinct and how the existing and future transport network will support these connections. The precinct’s networks should provide seamless connectivity to the wider transport network with multiple access points (see Principle 4) to the wider walking, cycling and public transport links beyond the precinct.

• Relevant transport network plans and other strategic priorities of different modes across the different aspects or parts of the network (TfNSW and local government)
• Relevant regional and district plans, place strategies and precinct plans that identify strategic land uses and the desired outcomes for the precinct
• Relevant State environmental planning policies (SEPPs), local strategic planning statements (LSPS) and other planning documents
• Movement and Place website (NSW Government 2021)
• Connecting with Country (GANSW 2020)