The greatest argument in city planning is about density. Most state governments want to contain city growth within the existing urban footprint.
The alternative is urban sprawl, which is impractical and costly, because there’s no infrastructure in greenfield areas.
To create growth within existing suburbs, you have to allow increased density. That means the old model of a family home on a big allotment has to be relaxed.
In February, the Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas warned Melbourne residents to expect more density to absorb rapid population growth, in which Victoria leads the nation.
But homeowners in leafy suburbs don’t want six-packs on their street.
The NIMBY backlash has been considerable and local politicians have become opponents of density, claiming it creates congestion.
The NSW government has, in effect, banned new unit development in Sydney local government areas (LGAs) such as Ryde.
Brisbane City Council has also moved to stop unit…
View original post 1,173 more words
