Description
In 1947, Melbourne undertook one of Australia's earliest large-scale traffic surveys, mapping how people travelled through the city.
This rare edition of Australian Diary follows the city-wide traffic census, documenting how planners sought to prepare for the city's future before congestion became a defining challenge.
Produced by the Australian Department of Information, this short documentary captures a remarkable early exercise in data-driven urban planning. At key entry points to central Melbourne, drivers were asked to record details of their daily journeys, creating a valuable snapshot of how people moved through the city. With Melbourne's population reaching one million and post-war expansion underway, the information gathered would help planners protect the city's broad streets, green spaces and renowned liveability while preparing for increasing traffic demands.
Nearly eighty years later, the questions raised by this film feel strikingly familiar. How can growing cities balance mobility, population growth and quality of life? As urban centres around the world continue to grapple with congestion and infrastructure challenges, this fascinating archival record reveals how Melbourne sought answers through data, public participation and long-term thinking.
The Australian Diary Series (1947–1970) records aspects of everyday life, industry and production in mid‑20th‑century Australia. To watch more Australian Diary films visit:
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Chapters
00:00 Melbourne's Planned City Design
00:33 A City Built for Growth
00:48 Counting Melbourne's Traffic
00:56 The Traffic Census Begins
01:18 Drivers Return Their Surveys
01:25 Planning Melbourne's Future
From the Film Australia Collection, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Title: Australian Diary 5: Melbourne Meets Traffic Problems in Advance
NFSA ID: 9FZYQDKA
Catalogue ID: 1396
Year: 1947
Credits:
Production Company: Australia Department of Information
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