2. Urban Growth

Question 1

Why are cities growing so quickly in both developed and developing countries?

Answer 1

• In developing countries there is a hope of better paying jobs and standards of living.
• In developed countries, global cities attract workers from other countries.

Question 2

What does ‘urbanised’ mean?

Answer 2

‘Urbanised’ means an area of living where there is a significantly large amount of people in urban areas.

It is estimated that 92% of Australians live in urban areas.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of urban areas? Give at least two reasons (/3)

Answer 3

• Higher population densities,
• Higher proportions of workers in manufacturing and service-related industries.
• Centres of business, trade, tourism, entertainment and finance.

Question 4

What determines the location of Australian urban centres? Give at least two answers. (/4)

Answer 4

• Historical reasons - near the coast.
• Transport links.
• Availability of flat land and water.
• Favourable climate.

Question 5

What is urban growth and decline?

Answer 5

The increase and inevitable decline of people living in urban areas.

Question 6

Why is urban growth and decline important? Give at least three reasons. (/5)

Answer 6

Urban growth and decline plays a major role in:

• The value of housing.
• Where businesses shall choose to operate.
• Whom an individual might vote for (governments can change their policies to suit different places).
• The demographic of an area.
• Where schools and public transport will be placed.

Question 7

What is population density and what is it used for?

Answer 7

A measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. Population density is used to measure the distribution of a population.

Question 8

What is urban sprawl?

Answer 8

The continuous, unplanned outward growth of a city, usually consisting of low-density housing. An alternate term for urban sprawl is ‘suburbanisation’.

Question 9

What are the advantages of suburbanisation? Give at least three answers. (/4)

Answer 9

• More open spaces.
• Larger houses for lower costs.
• Quieter.
• More room for a child’s upbringing.

Question 10

What is urban decay?

Answer 10

When a housing block or specific area is slowly deteriorating because of neglect from the government. Caused by mass-migration of people.

Question 11

What is urban renewal? What is another name for urban renewal?

Answer 11

The direct response to urban decay. Governments reinvigorate interest in an area by upgrading inner city areas through renovation and redevelopment.
(Also known as gentrification).

Question 12

How can urban sprawl be minimised? Give two reasons. (/2)

Answer 12

1. By only leasing small areas of land.

2. By encouraging denser settlements of housing.

Question 13

What is urban consolidation?

Answer 13

An attempt to create higher density living through construction of villas, apartments and townhouses.

Question 14

What are the advantages of urban consolidation? Give at least two answers (/3)

Answer 14

1. A greater investment of resources.
2. Avoids unnecessary waste of resources.
3. Social advantages (less isolation, better access to jobs).

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of urban consolidation? Give at least three answers (/4).

Answer 15

• Overcrowding.
• Overshadowing.
• Parking problems.
• Traffic congestion.

Question 16

Why do people choose to live in cities? Give at least four answers (/6).

Answer 16

• Central Business Districts (CBD).
• Increasing housing opportunities.
• Better health care.
• Located near airports and other arrival points.
• To see family.
• To be safe.