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November 28, 2004
This article by Adele Horne is about the contradictions in urban consolidation in Sydney, but it applies equally to other Australian cities.
Urban policy in Australia favours a densely-packed city in the interests of efficient land use. Governments find it more efficient to provide water, sewerage and especially public transport if we lived closer together, and not in an suburban sprawl with its backyards, plenty of space, and two cars in the garage.
What has happened? Adele describes it well:
"We watch old residential neighbourhoods demolished and blocks of units rise in their place. Vacant sites are put to use, not as parks, but for medium-density housing. We can't complain. In fast-growing Sydney, people need housing as close to the city as possible. But the compact between government and citizens was 'you accept the flats and we will look after your neighbourhood'. The compact is breaking down. The deal is proving one-sided."
In Sydney that means urban consolidation has outstripped the ability of the rail or bus system, or the responsible ministers, to cope. People still drive their cars because usually it is quicker and more reliable than an ailing public transport system. State governments refuse to invest in light rail or public transport and they prefer to make our cities more car-dependent.
The cars are eating our urban life in the inner city.
Apart from Western Australian Labor Government, which has reversed the old ratio byspending $5 on public transport for every $1 on roads, The legacy of Labor state governments is new roads for more cars.
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