The role of local government greening policies in the transition towards nature-based cities

As urban areas increase in size, density and population, green spaces become increasingly important for sustainability and liveability. Yet urbanisation processes, compounded in many cases by climate change impacts, are placing increasing pressure on retention of urban vegetation. This paper aims to analyse the role of local government policies in provision of urban green spaces. The research focuses on policies of three neighbouring local governments in Melbourne Australia, representing inner, middle and outer urban contexts. The paper applies Transition Management’s four spheres, strategic, tactical, operational and reflexive, to structure the analysis. The research identified key policy success factors and related these to the four spheres of analysis. The research found that a key limitation to a consistent or unified approach to green space provision is the ‘splintered’ or competing narratives that are applied to the functions, benefits and characteristics of urban green spaces. This fragmentation slows transition to nature-based cities.