Causes of the urban sprawl challenge Flashcards
Urban sprawl challenge in Perth is caused by several factors:
Population and economic growth
Shift towards car-based transport
Pursuit of the ‘Australian dream’ of home ownership
Housing affordability and availability on the urban fringe
Government incentives for home building
Planning policies have contributed to urban sprawl:
1955 Stephenson-Hepburn Plan aimed to accommodate growth and suburban homeownership.
1973 Corridor Plan established growth corridors in various directions.
1990 Metroplan widened corridors and introduced new areas for expansion.
Recent policies focus on urban infill for higher density.
Car ownership led to urban sprawl:
Car’s flexibility and convenience fueled outward expansion.
Highways and freeways shaped the city’s morphology.
Transport infrastructure struggled to catch up with urban growth.
Pursuit of the ‘Australian dream’ influenced sprawl
Desire for quarter-acre coastal blocks drove coastal development.
Perth’s population growth remained concentrated in coastal areas.
Housing affordability played a role:
Rising house prices in Perth, though more affordable than other cities.
Survey showed preference for central locations, but financial constraints limited choices.
Greenfield lot prices increased modestly, making them more attractive.
Government incentives accelerated sprawl:
2020 COVID-19 recovery bonus provided cash grants for homebuyers.
Stimulus led to increased land sales in suburbs like Alkimos and Ellenbrook.
Predicted significant increase in homes built due to the bonus scheme.
The Premier welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it would offer $25,000 tax-free grants to people wanting to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home.
