AUO 20 Minute Neighbourhood Scorecard

A key principle of Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 is planning for local liveable places through 20-minute neighbourhoods. Approximation to a 20-minute neighbourhood can be measured through 800m distances that are equivalent to a 10 minute walk (one-way). 

The Australian Urban Observatory has developed this 20-Minute Neighbourhood Scorecard to assist local planners to understand area-based strengths and weaknesses as they plan for more locally connected and liveable suburbs and neighbourhoods across their municipalities. This scorecard is based on liveability indicators currently available in the AUO. 

The 20-minute neighbourhood is all about ‘living locally’, giving people the ability to meet most of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk from home, with safe cycling and local transport options.

The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has identified the following hallmarks of a 20-minute neighbourhood. They must:

- be safe, accessible and well connected for pedestrians and cyclists to optimise active transport

- offer high-quality public realm and open spaces

provide services and destinations that support local living

- facilitate access to quality public transport that connects people to jobs and higher-order services

- deliver housing/population at densities that make local services and transport viable

- facilitate thriving local economies