Assessment Prep: Urban Sprawl

1. Identify specific examples of Urban Sprawl in Sydney and describe how these are examples of urban sprawl (include photos). 


 
The development of a new low-density suburb spread over 900 hectares, containing 2500 homes close to Penrith is due to be completed next year. This is an example of urban sprawl, as it is an outwards expansion with the creation of new low-density suburbs in result of a high population or a home shortage. This site could also be referred to as a "greenfield site". This is the name given to a site that is hosting urban development that was a former rural piece of land containing farming areas of areas of natural bushland. The new community will host around 6500 residents, and will aim to host young couples with 1-2 children.

2. In one of these examples you need to identify and list all of the INVOLVED PARTIES - (NGOs, governments, individuals, businesses or groups)
In this example of urban sprawl, many different parties are involved as it is a fairly controversial topic. NGOs, such as environmental organisations that are against the destruction of bushland and animal habitats that this development is causing have been heavily involved, in protests, complaint lodging, petitions etc.. The state government have also been involved as they have been very supportive of the idea, as it brings a massive surplus. Also many businesses have been involved, ranging from building companies to transport organisations. Many families would also be involved, these would generally be younger couples with not many children, who would be able to move about more easily, these people are involved as they are generally the ones that will be buying into the area.


3. Describe how all of these parties (at least two) are involved in this example of Urban Sprawl. Talk about what their interest is in this development/area of development. (At least two paragraphs for each group.)
The first party involved is the Western Sydney Conservation Alliance, which is a not for profit volunteer group that seeks to protect Western Sydney's dwindling Natural Heritage. One of the ways that they do this is by opposing inappropriate development, which is why they have been trying to fight against the construction of this site that is being built on a former ADI site.

One of the main reasons why this NGO is so strongly opposed to this development is that it involves the removal of critically endangered Cumberland Woodland Plain. Barry O'Farrell and the NSW Liberal Party have been called on by the NGO and other organisations to honour their 2007 election commitment to protect more of the ADI Sites critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland. Even though this status of this site has been changed to "critical habitat" and the government is still acting. 


Another party involved with the development is the Delfin Lend Lease Company, which is in charge of the construction of Jordan Springs. A spokesperson for Delfin Lend Lease said that the Council's ecological consultant concluded that the development was not likely to have a significant effect on the identified ecological communities. ``Where possible we intend to retain significant trees in our development an example of this is the fact that we have planned and designed the location of the first park so that we can retain 50 existing trees,''  the spokesperson said. The company has also tried to reassure people opposed with the construction, saying that %60 of the land will be maintained as bushland anyway.


The company of course will be making a huge amount of money from this particular development, so it is not surprising that they are heavily involved with supporting and reinforcing a positive view of the destruction of this ADI site. The position of the company, environmentally speaking, is quite stubborn yet they are trying to compromise by minimising the destruction of the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland.

4. What are the possible responses to the issue? Or, if there has been a response already, what is has been the response to this issue? (at least two responses)
The government response to this development has been supportive, and the construction has been allowed to be put into action, this would most likely be because of the money that the project would generate, even though it goes directly against the promises of the New South Wales Liberal part. Apart from this organisation, the general public and NGOs seem to be particularly opposed to this construction, as it is destroying natural bushland and the habitat of many species of plants and animal, and has been in fact deemed as "critical habitat" because of the critically endangered status of the Cumberland Woodland Plain. Mr Brown, who is in fact a  politician involved in the topic, states "``When you actually see the devastation it dawns upon you this is just out and out environmental vandalism.'

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of one of the possible responses to this instance of Urban Sprawl.


Even though the attempts of the Western Sydney Conservation Alliance have been very determined, the campaign has not been particularly effective. The development of Jordan Springs is due to be finished some time this year. Although the campaign put forward by the NGO had a very good case, the council deemed that the ecological disadvantages it would have would not be outweighed by the financial and population development benefits 

Year 10: Urban Sprawl or Consolidation: Jordan Springs

1. Is this an example of urban consolidation or urban sprawl? Why?
This is an example of urban sprawl, as it is an outwards expansion with the creation of new low-density suburbs in result of a high population. This site could also be referred to as a "greenfield site". This is the name given to a site that is hosting urban development that was a former rural piece of land containing farming areas of areas of natural bushland.
2. Do you think that this development is positive or negative for the surrounding community? For Sydney? For Australia?


I feel that this development is positive in some aspects for the community, however, it is also negative in some aspects. It is positive for the surrounding community and for the country as it creates many employment opportunities. However, continual urban sprawl like the development seen in Jordan Springs is quite negative for our environment and for our country. I feel that consolidating on our already existing urban areas is the need for our city and our country at this current point in time. The destruction of this beautiful bushland and the habitat for many species of animals is not healthy for our environment, so i feel that it is a step in the wrong direction.

Unit 9.2 Questions

Knowledge

1

The development of the railway system in Sydney and and also the building of the Sydney harbour bridge enabled the city to expand to centres into the west like Liverpool and Parramatta

2

Many of the manufacturing and industrial activities are being replaced by new technology and information-based industries. This is affecting the employment structure of Sydney

3

a world city is a city that has been deemed to be an important node (or swelling) point in the global economic system. This is being proved by Sydney quickly becoming invaded by new technology and information-based industries

 

4

New land releases in the north-west and south-west are required. These are called greenfield locations. These sites will accomodate 30% of future growth. Many sites inside the city have also been targeted for urban renewal and urban redevelopment through urban consolidation.

5

A Metrapolitan Strategy names "City of Cities. A Plan for Sydney's Future"

6

The state government of NSW was responsible for this plan

7

-ensuring economic, social and environmental sustainability

-manage issues surrounding urban growth

- manage issues concerning declineWhat is a greenfield site? In what way is the development of these sites different to developing existing areas of the city?

8

A Greenfield site is a term used to describe undeveloped land in a city or rural area either used for agriculture, landscape design, or left to naturally evolve. This is different because completely new infrastructure must be built, whereas urban consolidation is using existing infrastructure.

9

70% of the future population growth in Sydney will be absorbed into the existing developed areas of Sydney, whereas 30% will be moved into the Greenfield sites.

10

Many council and community groups were consulted in the development in this strategy. This was important as it was neccessary to know what the views of the general population were

Skills

11

Refer to 9.8:

a

1994-1995

b

1989-1990

c

urban growth started to declined slowly

d

 the trend for urban development is expected to reverse, and quickly start to rise.

 

12

Refer to 9.10:

a

The population density of North Sydney and Sydney is a lot higher than that of Liverpool and Penrith. This would be because Liverpool and Penrith are relatively new areas to the city, newer than the centre of the city

b

The Sea

c

Urban housing would heighten the population density while residential housing would lessen the population densityApplication

13

Greenfield site:

location: North-West growth centre

main aspects :taking in the local government areas of Baulkham hills, Blacktown, The Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith, 60 000 new homes will be developed. Strong community focus planned for this area. Planned to provide 99,000 new jobs.

Sydney Site:

location:East Darling Harbour

main aspects:

last remaining port at Darling Harbour is to be developed following a goverment decision to move the shipping to other port areas. The renewal of the site will feature an 11-hectare waterfront park.

 

Refer to the concept map above. Prepare a brief report on one of Sydney’s greenfields sites and one of Sydney’s sites for redevelopment. Include the location, main aspects of the development proposal and features of the final development.

What influence would housing type have on the population density of areas of the city?

What landuse has limited the north-, south- and westward expansion of Sydney?

Compare the population density of Sydney and North Sydney to Liverpool and Penrith. Account for the difference.

Compare the trends for Sydney’s dwelling supply from 2001–04 to the trends predicted for 2005–10.

Describe the trends in urban growth from 2001 to 2004.

During which year did greenfield developments account for the greatest percentage of growth?

During which year did greenfield developments account for the greatest number of dwellings?Name the groups that were consulted in the development of the Metropolitan Strategy. Why do you think community consultation was important in the process?

How will Sydney’s population growth be managed in terms of the provision of housing over the next 30 years?

What were the three broad aims of the plan?

What level of government was responsible for the development of the plan?

What plan was launched in December 2005?

List the developments and facilities that will be required to manage Sydney’s growth over the next 30 years.

What is a world city? What evidence suggests that Sydney is a world city?

What impact is globalisation having on the employment structure of Sydney?

Name two important developments that enabled the expansion of Sydney.

Year 10 Thur 10/3: Urban Planning and Development

1

Urban sprawl is a process that causes a city to spread outwards as the population increases.

2

Urban consolidation is the process where land within the existing city boundaries is developed with high-rise apartment complexes, townhouses, villa developments etc.

 

3

This means that a high proportion of a country's population live in urban areas

 

4

In 2006, 65% of people in Australia lived in capital cities, 92% of Australians live in Urban areas and in Sydney , the population density is 2076 people on average per square kilometre

5

The main factor that influences the location of Australia's capital cities is their proximity to the coast. All but one of australia's capital cities are on the coast. This is due mainly to historical reasons linked to transport advantages, although the availability of flat land and a favourable climate also influenced this location and growth.

 

6

Population density is the amount of people on average to a certain amount of area, usually a square kilometre. It is related to urban sprawl as an extremely high population density must eventually lead to urban sprawl.

 

7

The cities of Australia have a relatively low population denisty in comparison to some other major cities in the World. However, these Australian population densities are continuing to rise.

 

8

infrastructure  like public transport, electricity and water supplies are already built, but are just used more intensively

 

9

Urban planners have had to become innovative in their designs of apartments and new estates to manage this effect of urban sprawl. Urban planners have begun to lean towards the idea of Urban Consolidation instead of this continuous urban sprawl.

 

Skills

10

Refer to 9.2:

a

Melbourne

b

population divided by land area

c

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Gosford, Wollongong

d

8 out of 10

Application

11

In my view, the opinion of the residents seen in the foreground of the construction would be one of anger at the people constucting the large apartment complexes. This is because it is going to heavily increase the amount of noise pollution, and would also increase the amount of activity in the area

12

advatages

-have more freedom

-generally have more space

- have a garden

-less noise pollution

disadvantages

-cost more to rent

-cost more to buy

- harder to maintain

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a detached style housing estate compared to apartment

Refer to 9.5 and discuss the opinions the residents in the detached housing in the foreground might have to the apartment buildings being constructed. What impact will the construction have on their community?

What proportion of Australia’s 10 largest cities has a population density greater than 1000 people per square kilometre?

Rank Australia’s cities in terms of their population density.

Describe how population density is calculated.

Which Australian city covers the greatest land area?

How have urban planners responded to the issue of urban sprawl in Australia?

Describe the advantage, in terms of the provision of infrastructure, urban consolidation has over urban sprawl.

How do Australian cities compare to other cities in the world in terms of their population density?

What is population density and how is it related to urban sprawl?

What factors have influenced the location of Australia’scapital cities?

List three statistics that suggest Australia is a highly urbanised country.

What is meant by a highly urbanised country?

What is meant by the term ‘urban consolidation’?

What is meant by the term ‘urban sprawl’?

Year 10: Urban Renew and Decay

Aesthetics

a branch of philosphy dealing with the idea of looks. Commonly used today to describe how something looks

Safety

freedom from the occurrence or risk of danger, injury or loss

Slums

a thickly populated, run-down, squalid part of a city, inhabited by poor people

Decay

to become decomposed

Reconstruction and renewal

the act of starting to begin or construct once again

Transport

to carry, move, or convey from one place to another

Suburbanization

to give suburban characteristics to

Environmental factors

factors that affect the environment

Light and sound

light-something that makes things visible

sound-the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of hearing by vibrations transmitted through the air or other medium.

Unit 7.8 Stuart's Point Questions

 Name and locate the coastal dune management area discussed in this unit.

1

 The area is Stuart's Point Sand Drift area

3. Without this management of the sand dunes,  the coastal environment could be severly affected and also the fishing and tourism industry could be put in serious jepoardy by the loss of the dune barrier. 3. the local community is needed to help stabilise the sand dune system along worth other councils and organisations in the surrounding area. in doing this the local community would help the fishing and tourism industries in the area.

4.The dunes play an extremely important part in the coastal environment and also financially.The sand dune area at Stuarts point is important because it ensures that the fishing and tourism industries aren't affected and it also ensures that the sea doesn't breach the wall in severe storms like it has done a few times in the past, resulting in the destruction of property and other vegetation.


5. The primary species of vegetation on the beachfront consists of grasses and creepers. the secondary species includes shrubs and short lived trees, highly adapted prolific re-seeders and fast growing plants. the tertiary species at the back of the beachfront includes long lived trees.


6.having vegetation in amongst a sand dune traps the sand so it doesn't blow away. if there is a strong wind and there is no vegetation on the beachfront all the vegetation will be blown away. however, if there is a lot of vegetation in the beachfront the shrubs, plants, etc. all trap the sand which stabilises it and the entire dune doesn't blow away
7. cattle grazing had a dramatic effect on the dune system as it destroyed all the vegetation. this in tum allowed the wind to blow away the sand and heavy storms to overpower the wall of sand.
8. Cattle grazing would have primarily destroyed all living vegetation in the sand dune. this would have allowed things like erosion to happen as the sand is now able to be lifted and blown away. as the sand wall now becomes increasingly fragile the heavy seas also slam against the wall of sand.


9. The groups involved in the rehabilitation program included the Department of Lands, the Department of Public Works, The Macleay Shire Council, and the Soil Conservation Service of New South Wales
.


10.the first stage involved using a tractor to form a small foredune approximately 1.8 metres high (see 7.36). On top of this a dune-forming fence was constructed to help trap the wind-blown sand and establish the foredune. This dune was essential to protect the hind dunes and allow vegetation to grow. The foredune was then stabilised with coastal spinifex and marram grass. The next stage involved planting trees along the riverbank to stabilise the western margin of the area. After this was completed it was a matter of planting native seedlings in the area between the foredune and the river bank. Initially, fast-growing secondary species like coastal wattle and Casuarina equisetifolia were planted. Once they were established, coastal tertiary species like banksia, melaleuca and leptospermum were planted


12. refraction
13. a) Sand movement within the dunes is now negligible. A large foredune 3–4 metres high is present and covered with vegetation. This acts to protect the hind dune vegetation from salt-laden winds and erosion from waves. The hind dunes still run east–west as no mechanical work was conducted to repair the wind damage on the hind dunes when the area was revegetated. A coastal dune ecosystem has been re-established on the dunes.

b) ) the protection of the macleay river system is successful in some ways and not in others. the problem of silting and an unstable sand dune have been conquered but the revegetation project has now introduced a noxious weed known as biteau bush which runs the entire length of the foredune.


c) many groups in the local community have benefited from the revegetation project undertaken at Stuart's point. the community itself is now able to lead their usual lifestyles without worrying about the fishing and tourism industries as much as before. also the knowledge that this management strategy works is beneficial for every group that took a part in the revegetation project. this management strategy is now being used across New South Wales for the benefit of the environment and the surrounding ecosystem.


14.