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.
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
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