Urban Sprawl

To all those lovers of urban sprawl, Micahel Dufy et al, comes this article from Brian Welch of the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

'If Melbourne is going to maintain housing affordability in the 21st century, the market must contain a diversity of housing choices — a diversity that requires greater access to development opportunities in established areas, as well as access to land on the urban fringe...

If the State Government acts now to lower property taxes, and provide development opportunities in inner suburbs, then Melbourne 2030 may yet live on — along with housing affordability and the great Australian dream of home ownership.'

I can't help but agree. Poorly serviced outer suburban enclaves build nothing but poverty, disadvantage and environmental degradation. We can do better, but it may require a more civil minded approach from local governments.