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April 11, 2005
There is a debate happening in Sydney about inner city living versus quarter acre suburbia living.
Referring to some comments made by Michael Costa, the NSW Roads Minister, Adele Horin says:
"When politicians talk up Australians' devotion to the quarter-acre, beware. It is usually a way to deflect blame for urban problems such as air pollution and traffic congestion onto us. It is their excuse to do nothing. If only Australians weren't wedded to the quarter-acre, they imply, politicians could curb suburban sprawl, build rail lines, and reduce air pollution. But darn it, the people rule.It is this archaic view of what Australians want that is ruining our cities. It provides the justification to build another freeway, scrap plans for train lines, and mock proposals for light rail."
The quarter acre suburbia is generally tied to fostering development, suburban sprawl and the expansion of the city boundaries. It is tied to a mode of life with its idea of mum,dad and two kids family life, a house that is a home and community as neighbourhood.
What this ignores is the diversity of modern urban living. Adelaide, for instance, has urban consolidation giving rise to inner city living, the suburbian living in the far-flung suburbs north and south of the city and seachange shift to the coastal fringe on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
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