Urban Growth and Decline Questions
Content
URBAN GROWTH AND DECLINE – LEARNING ABOUT GEOGRAPHY FOR AUS. CITIZENS P192
Explain how Australian cities differ from cities in Europe and Asia in terms of population densities. Give reasons for these
differences.
Australian cities have less high rise residential blocks because most of the population prefer to live in the suburbs and travel to the
CBD for work. This leaves the CBD relatively empty at night. However in New York, Paris, Tokyo, etc. there is a development of larger
populations in relatively smaller areas, due to the larger numbers in high-rise buildings.
What is meant by the statement every Australian is entitled to ‘own a home on a quarter-acre block’?
This expression refers to the Australian dream and tradition to own a home and their own land with their own backyard.
Explain what is mean by the term ‘urban sprawl’. How does it occur? What are the problems associated with it?
Urban sprawl is when the population expands to the lower density residential areas to fullfill their dream of having their own home. The
problem with this is that the larger the spread, the larger the areas are to connect services to such as roads, water, sewerage,
telephones, electricity and gas lines to the homes.
What is urban consolidation? Explain how it can be done. What are the problems associated with it?
Urban consolidation is using the existing services and areas of the city to provide accommodation for the increasing number of people
who want to live in the city. Medium density dwellings such as flats, villas, townhouses, or duplexes are such accommodation that are
part of urban consolidation. Another method is extending part of the existing house for people to rent out. Urban consolidation lessens
the need of building for infra-structures.
What role do local councils play in urban consolidation? How are council powers regulated?
Councils are given some amount of power over land zoning. If one wants to build anything they must appeal to the council however if
their proposals are rejected they can appeal to the Land and Environmental Court.
Construct a table listing the advantages and disadvantages of urban consolidation programs.
ADVANTAGES
Better use of existing services such as electricity, gas,
telephones, roads.
Better use of existing transport facilities, especially public
transport.
Avoids unnecessary waste of land, which would result if urban
sprawl is allowed to go on unchecked.
Social advantages in that aged people may be better cared for
by family members if ‘granny flat’ development is allowed or
encourages.
DISADVANTAGES
Overcrowding – too many people living in a confined area.
Overshadowing – loss of sunlight and view as a result of buildings
placed too close together.
Parking problems – more people means more cars trying to park in
the street.
Traffic congestion – more people means more cars on the street and
slower traffic flow.
What is meant by the term NIMBY?
NIMBY stands for ‘Not In My Backyard’ and refers to the resistance to urban consolidation that comes from people who do not want it in
their suburb.
What are DINKs? Explain.
DINK stands for “Double Income No Kids’ and refers to couples who both earn an income individually bur have no kids to provide for.
Why is the city’s CBD more likely to have urban renewal than the areas surrounding it?
The city’s CBD is usually being constantly renewed because it is the focus of the city where it is the main attraction for tourists as well
as locals.
Explain how a whole community can change as a result of urban renewal and gentrification.
New changes and buildings can be sold/rented out at higher prices therefore attracting wealthy buyers and driving out the poorer. A
whole community’s atmosphere, nature, culture and values can change because of this.
Explain the difference between a bungalow and a townhouse or an apartment.
A bungalow is a single story, low density home whereas townhouses and apartments are medium and high density homes.
What types of dwellings are associated with high-rise developments?
Apartment blocks and high-rise buildings are associated with high-rise development.
Explain how Australian cities differ from cities in Europe and Asia in terms of population densities. Give reasons for these
differences.
Australian cities have less high rise residential blocks because most of the population prefer to live in the suburbs and travel to the
CBD for work. This leaves the CBD relatively empty at night. However in New York, Paris, Tokyo, etc. there is a development of larger
populations in relatively smaller areas, due to the larger numbers in high-rise buildings.
What is meant by the statement every Australian is entitled to ‘own a home on a quarter-acre block’?
This expression refers to the Australian dream and tradition to own a home and their own land with their own backyard.
Explain what is mean by the term ‘urban sprawl’. How does it occur? What are the problems associated with it?
Urban sprawl is when the population expands to the lower density residential areas to fullfill their dream of having their own home. The
problem with this is that the larger the spread, the larger the areas are to connect services to such as roads, water, sewerage,
telephones, electricity and gas lines to the homes.
What is urban consolidation? Explain how it can be done. What are the problems associated with it?
Urban consolidation is using the existing services and areas of the city to provide accommodation for the increasing number of people
who want to live in the city. Medium density dwellings such as flats, villas, townhouses, or duplexes are such accommodation that are
part of urban consolidation. Another method is extending part of the existing house for people to rent out. Urban consolidation lessens
the need of building for infra-structures.
What role do local councils play in urban consolidation? How are council powers regulated?
Councils are given some amount of power over land zoning. If one wants to build anything they must appeal to the council however if
their proposals are rejected they can appeal to the Land and Environmental Court.
Construct a table listing the advantages and disadvantages of urban consolidation programs.
ADVANTAGES
Better use of existing services such as electricity, gas,
telephones, roads.
Better use of existing transport facilities, especially public
transport.
Avoids unnecessary waste of land, which would result if urban
sprawl is allowed to go on unchecked.
Social advantages in that aged people may be better cared for
by family members if ‘granny flat’ development is allowed or
encourages.
DISADVANTAGES
Overcrowding – too many people living in a confined area.
Overshadowing – loss of sunlight and view as a result of buildings
placed too close together.
Parking problems – more people means more cars trying to park in
the street.
Traffic congestion – more people means more cars on the street and
slower traffic flow.
What is meant by the term NIMBY?
NIMBY stands for ‘Not In My Backyard’ and refers to the resistance to urban consolidation that comes from people who do not want it in
their suburb.
What are DINKs? Explain.
DINK stands for “Double Income No Kids’ and refers to couples who both earn an income individually bur have no kids to provide for.
Why is the city’s CBD more likely to have urban renewal than the areas surrounding it?
The city’s CBD is usually being constantly renewed because it is the focus of the city where it is the main attraction for tourists as well
as locals.
Explain how a whole community can change as a result of urban renewal and gentrification.
New changes and buildings can be sold/rented out at higher prices therefore attracting wealthy buyers and driving out the poorer. A
whole community’s atmosphere, nature, culture and values can change because of this.
Explain the difference between a bungalow and a townhouse or an apartment.
A bungalow is a single story, low density home whereas townhouses and apartments are medium and high density homes.
What types of dwellings are associated with high-rise developments?
Apartment blocks and high-rise buildings are associated with high-rise development.
