Publications

Explore our independent insights and news.

Insights

Environment, Housing, Transport

Beyond bushfires: creating resilient communities
Earlier this year, the world watched in sympathy as Australian communities dealt with catastrophic bushfires during the hottest and driest year ever recorded in Australia. Now that the bushfires have ...

Insights

Employment

#EachforEqual: steps towards gender equity in employment
This International Women's Day, we're calling for action from governments and businesses to stop social and economic data bias and plan cities that address the genuine needs and experiences of women i...

Insights

 

Recessions happen more often than you think
The Australian economy has not experienced an annual decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since 1990-91. Many people assume that almost three decades of continuous economic growth means that many A...

Insights

Government

An economic fix for planning scandals
The planning scandal uncovered by Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) in the City of Casey, one of Melbourne’s burgeoning suburban growth areas, is truly a slow motion...

Insights

Environment

Regional communities have the most to benefit from transitioning to a low carbon economy
Transitioning to a low carbon economy and regional economic growth are not opposite objectives. This article aims to reframe the debate from using regional economic development as a reason not to tran...

Insights

Environment

Planning for natural hazards in a changing climate: best-practice principles
The planning system has an important role to play in adapting to the expected impacts of climate change. While some progress has been made, the lack of spatial understanding of the vulnerability of co...

Insights

Environment

The growing risk of natural perils: preemptive action needed
Spatial data shows much of the Australian population is at risk of natural perils such as bushfires, floods, storms and tropical cyclones. Without pre-emptive action, these risks will continue to impa...

Insights

Employment, Retail, Transport

GDP report: Economic Performance of Australia's Cities and Regions
Australia's regions languish while Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide boom according to a new report authored by SGS National Leader of Economic and Social Analysis Terry Rawnsley: Economic Performance of...

Insights

Housing

Recent research into rental affordability in Australia shows no relief for low-income households
Hobart remains the least affordable city to rent in Australia while Newstart recipients and other low-income households are experiencing severe rental stress across Australia, the latest release of th...

Insights

Employment, Housing, Open Space, Retail

Governing urban renewal: lessons from Melbourne Docklands and Hamburg’s Hafencity
Urban renewal governance arrangements in Australia need reform. The funder, purchaser and provider in urban renewal projects often have conflicting objectives, leaving the host community with a compro...

Insights

 

Reflecting on a decade of change at SGS
As we prepare to celebrate 30 years in business, SGS Economics and Planning Principal and Partner Andrew McDougall reflects on the exhilarating and somewhat challenging process of shaping and governin...