The future of the urban environment in Newcastle and the Hunter region is one of the challenges to be discussed at a forum at the University of Newcastle tomorrow.

The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment will host the Sustainability in the Built Environment Forum, featuring a number of guest presenters with extensive experience in urban planning and development.

Tom Farrell Institute Director, Professor John Rodger, said the forum would draw on the experiences of other major cities, and how they might relate to Newcastle.

"One of the biggest challenges Newcastle is facing is the growing population, and its impact on our built and natural environment," Professor Rodger said.

"The Forum brings together top planning experts and academics to discuss trends in urban development and the future of inner Newcastle.

"We will also be looking at what has happened in cities like Melbourne, and how we may be able to draw on these experiences in developing our local environment."

The Forum will hear from Professor Steffen Lehmann, from the University of Newcastle's School of Architecture and Built Environment. His expertise is in sustainable urban design and the design of energy efficient buildings. He will present his views on Urbanisation, Trends in Sustainable Built Environments and Technologies.

Chris Johnson is Executive Director, Cities and Centres, at the NSW Department of Planning, and Director of the Cities Task Force, and will present his work on a sustainable urban vision for inner Newcastle.

As senior urban designer for VicUrban, Mark Haycox will provide an insight into Australia's largest urban renewal project, Melbourne's Docklands.

Shane Power, from the Melbourne City Council, will discuss Australia's first six star-rated green office building, known as Council House CH2.

Media are welcome to attend the Tom Farrell Institute Forum on Friday 20 July between 1pm and 4.30pm in CT202 at the Callaghan Campus.