ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the case for a book on healthy built environments in the unique Australian context. It provides an introduction to Australia’s demography, population geography and governance, including the governance of urban planning and health. This includes a detailed overview of the structure of Australia’s growing cities, revealing a nation that is primarily urban-dwelling, yet culturally and demographically diverse. Key moments in the development of healthy planning as an area of interest in Australia are outlined in a timeline, provided to demonstrate the diverse professions and organisations united by interest in this field. The chapter concludes with critical reflections on the shifting ethos of governance in Australia, raising the theme of equity that is so integral to this book and the pursuit of healthy built environments.
