Radio presenter slams ‘15-minute city’ conspiracists as expert names its health benefits

Conspiracy theorists have been embarrassed after the national broadcaster aired a savage take-down of a wild conspiracy Aussies have embraced.

‘Smart Cities’ could promote a healthier future, but not all are on board with the idea. Picture: iStock

A registered nurse and national radio broadcaster are calling on Australians to embrace the 15-minute city concept after a conspiracy theory about “smart cities” snowballed into huge rallies around the world.

University of Wollongong lecturer Christopher Patterson is an avid supporter of the urban planning concept where everything you need access to is located within a 15 minute distance.

Also known as “smart cities”, the notion is the brainchild of Franco-Colombian urbanist Carlos Moreno who came up with the idea to prompt more sustainable, convenient and healthier living.

Key elements of the theory include keeping essential services close, creating a sense of community solidarity and inspiring green urban living.

‘Smart Cities’ could promote a healthier future, but not all are on board with the idea. Picture: iStock

However not all are convinced, with some comparing the theory to a Stalin-style plot to keep people in lockdown or under the government’s control, despite Mr Moreno stating people could still travel outside their 15-minute area surrounding their home.

Triple J Hack reporter Shalailah Medhora suggested the rise of conspiracies may have to do with the World Economic Forum embracing the idea.

In a package that aired Monday, Medhora savagely roasted conspiracy theorists while talking to experts about why the theory shouldn’t be feared.

“There are a lot of noted intellectuals on TikTok telling me I should be suspicious of convenience” Medhora said.

In reality, 15-minute cities are nothing new, rather Australians have become more dependent on vehicles to get around according to city planner Brent Toderian.

“We think the car has provided us with freedom but we are completely, 100 per cent car dependent,” he told Radio National.

Conspiracies aside, Dr Patterson says there are numerous health benefits to the theory that many sceptics are overlooking.

“This idea is about bringing it back to the city structure,” he told Triple J Hack host Dave Marchese.

“Cities have largely grown beyond what was originally expected when planning started and really what has happened is it pushed people, health and green spaces to the periphery in a way.”

Dr Patterson said 15-minute cities can help promote a sense of community. Picture: Nicki Connolly/NCA NewsWire

As a result, people have to spend more time travelling to access fundamental facilities such as doctors clinics, their workplace and schools forcing them to become dependable on their car and public transport.

But the mental health specialist believes having all those services within a 15 minute trip could drastically improve commuters’ physical health and wellbeing with the first intangible benefit being its ability to give people more free reign.

“The main (benefit) is giving people back their freedom (and) time,” Dr Patterson said.

“The time you get back you could put into (your) health or sitting in green spaces to connect back with your community and family.”

As for the mental health benefits, the nurse said smart cities provide “endless” opportunities for mindfulness.

“We absolutely know that walking and bike riding improves your mental health but also at the same time mental health services are looking for a way to make people connected to focus on social isolation and really meet people … and 15 minute cities can do that,” he said.

The 15-minute city concept is currently being applied in Paris after it played a huge role in Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s 2020 election campaign.

Paris has already become a 15-minute city. Picture: iStock

Some Parisians are even fortunate enough to live in five minute cities as most only have to walk a short distance to access their local bakery, newsagency and pharmacy.

“The 15 minute city has been recently applied in a big way to Paris and the data that’s coming out there is that people have improved mental health in a lot of ways and physical health as well,” Dr Patterson said.

“It makes cities accessible to everyone and that really is the aim to have your local service within 15 minutes of your door.”

Not having to wait in 20 minutes of traffic to visit the shops or hitch a 40 minute train ride to the office would be the dream.