Most people now live in cities which are increasingly under stress. Making cities more liveable, more sustainable and more fun is the challenge of the next decade.

The lead essay is by the most outstanding young urban planner in Australia, Brendan Gleeson, winner of the inaugural John Ironmonger Award. In this important essay Brendan examines the points of stress, especially in areas of rapid growth and suggests solutions that will make our cities better places to live and work. His expansive essay will set the big picture agenda for a new generation of thinking about urban planning and touch the concerns of us all.

Getting the mix right in the supply of water, transport, jobs and housing, at the same time creating an inspiring place to live that allows creativity to blossom and provide the entertainment and nourishment of the best cities, is a challenge. It is also the key to a sustainability.

The drift to the cities is happening all around the world, and the implications of this are evoked in moving essays by some of the best writers in Australia, including Margaret Simons and Robyn Davidson.