Redefining communities through innovation precincts

Around the world, industry, universities and governments are creating innovation precincts together.63

Located in cities and larger regional centres, these precincts specialise in many fields, from advanced manufacturing to information technology and health and education.

They benefit businesses and communities by creating a critical mass that:

•  supports higher wages and skilled Jobs

•  encourages collaborative and integrated service delivery

•  attracts investment

•  has a multiplier effect on the economy.64

Creating a social infrastructure precinct involves designing and co-locating health, education and research facilities that bring together a range of partners.

By operating in a single precinct, they can share knowledge, promote learning and foster collaboration. The outcome is high-quality, innovative and integrated services.

To be globally competitive and attract significant investment, a social infrastructure precinct must house the major sectors (community, government, tertiary education and industry).

It also needs to include integrated transport facilities, residential development (such as affordable accommodation for frontline workers) and cultural and recreational facilities and spaces.

This will involve close collaboration between state and territory treasuries and economic development, social infrastructure and transport departments, as well as tertiary education organisations such as universities.

Precinct planning should be underpinned by a strong governance framework that outlines the role and purpose of different partners and integrates planning with mobility solutions.

Integrated, place-based planning is also covered in the Place-based outcomes for communities chapter.