Unit 3 AOS 4: land use change Flashcards
Reason For Land Use Change
social
features values a society and includes population structure and movement. ethnicity, cultural attitudes, language, religion and work skill
- these factors result in pressure for new residential areas to be developed on the fringe of existing towns and cities
- for industrial estate to be expanded to provide local employment
- societies needs and values change overtime thus forcing land use change
UN FAO (United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation) - Definition
Characterised by the arrangements, activities and inputs people undertake in a certain land cover type to produce change or maintain it.
Reason For Land Use Change
Historical
when past actions and thinking have influenced the present characteristics of the environment. current land uses of an area is a product of past decisions. individuals may see a need to change these land uses to one they believe are more appropriate to todays need. at the same time past land uses may represent an important reminder of community heritage accommodate for interested visitors
Reason For Land Use Change
Economic
activities linked to the creation of wealth, production and the spending of money.
employment, income, profit, production of good, trade, governments and households
owners of land and the potential buyers of land, may be driven by profit to change existing land uses to one that are more profitable
associated with the cost of land, travel time to and from the urban center, and distance
higher cost of land closer to the center
Reason For Land Use Change
Environmental and physical
includes shape of the land (typography) drainage, soil, indigenous vegetation and climate
- the nature of a region’s natural environments may prohibit some land uses
- tech has been able to help overcome some environmental limitations
- the likelihood of negative impact of land use change on biodiversity downstream users of water, community wellbeing and the character if a region are now major consideration in determining the scale and functionality of land use change
- will urban expansion lead to the loss of farmland and ultimately higher food cost
Reason For Land Use Change
Political
the work individuals, government agencies and non-government organizations which help determine the use of the natural and human environment
- political influences can protect an existing land use as easily as it can grant permission for it to change
- government policy, legislation, planning regulations and permissions, election promises and protest activities are all political action that can determine the nature of land use change
negative: additional traffic noise, removal of trees
positive: improved access to areas, reduction in traffic
Reason For Land Use Change
technological
application of developments in science, engineering and communications. tech has widened the options for land use change in a significant way
- large scale water conservation and irrigation projects might allow land to be converted to arable cropping
- freeways and fast trains can reduce travel time
- information tech enables some people to work from home and at considerable distance from offices
- geospatial tech to plan for and evaluate land use changes
impacts of land use change
impacts depend on their duration, intensity, location, distribution and materials used
- negative or postive
- may occur locally or beyond
- population growth and movement van either cause or be the result of land use change
- if a rural region changes the type of primary industry from grazing to blue hum plantation the different workforce requirements may force some to look for jobs elsewhere. or attract others converting grazing land to intensive irrigation cropping fruits and vegetables can impact water tables levels and soil nutrients but also produce higher financial return together with higher production cost per hectare
impacts of land use change
postives
Economic Benefits - Land use change can lead to increased economic activities. For example, converting farmland into urban areas can create job opportunities and bring in more businesses, leading to economic growth.
Infrastructure Development: Changing the land use can also result in the development of necessary infrastructure, such as roads, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. This can improve the overall quality of life for people living in the area.
Environmental Benefits: In some cases, land use change might be necessary for environmental conservation efforts. For instance, converting degraded land into protected forests or wetlands can help restore important ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity.
impacts of land use change
negatives
Habitat Loss: Altering land use often causes the destruction or fragmentation of natural habitats. This can lead to the displacement or extinction of certain plant and animal species, disrupting ecological balance.
Deforestation: Converting forests into agricultural or urban areas can result in deforestation. This not only leads to the loss of valuable carbon sinks but also contributes to climate change due to the release of stored carbon.
Increased Pollution: Changing land use may lead to increased pollution, such as water pollution from runoff or air pollution from industrial activities. These pollutions can harm human health and negatively impact the environment.
future for land use change
Aus will continue to change due to many interconnected processes
- a growing population from 16 million in 2020 to an estimated 40 million in 2050
- changing market demands within Aus and elsewhere could affect the amount and types of grain, meat, fruit and vegetables produced from farms, as well as the type and size of housing
- climate change is likely to alter distribution of water resource and temperature regimes forcing relocation of natural and introduced plants and animals
- new regulation by fedral, state, territory and local government about the way land is used and the way people and goods move from place to place
problems with not planning land use change
w/out planning urban growth threatens the ability of places to provide effective infrastructure such as transport water and energy supplies
how can changes to land use be sustainable
planning strategies
mixed land use: a place should have multiple functions
density: medium to low density suburbs, medium to high density transport routes together with high density center
connectivity: many available issues for transport and movement
High quality public realm: safe and active street frontage with sun and weather protection
adaptability: the ability to accept change
figure 2.13 pg 28
Climate change and Land use
Farming region
lower rainfall for farming without succesfull technical adaption.
farming regions will need to change their type of cropping and animal raising
new techniques of using less water
Climate change and Land use
urban region
sea level rises averaging 1m by the end of the century
low lying coastal suburbs, coastal roads and waterfront land including port facilities beaches may need protection or relocation. planners will need to work for greener and more open spaces to promote cooler and more pleasant living spaces
Climate change and Land use
National scale
solar and wind farms replacing thermal power station also energy source will force land use change at selected areas. habitat of animals/ plant will be challenged by climate change
- land clearance if scrub and trees for agricultural purpose contributed about 9% of aus greenhouse emissions in 2020
dryland farming
dryland farming is amethod of agriculture practise in areas where water is scarce or unpredictable. Instead of relying on regular rainfall, dry land farmers use specific techniques to grow crops in dry and arid regions. This usually involves conserving and using water efficiently, as well as choosing crops that can survive with limited water. Dry land farming often requires a lot of planning, careful management, and the use of special methods such as crop rotation, mulching, and selecting drought-resistant seeds. Overall, dry land farming is a way for farmers to grow crops in areas with low water availability.
Land Use of Aus
the distribution of housing pattern and the low density scale that Melbourne has are not sustainable
development has grown around monocentric model of employment focused on the central business district — having one main central area where most jobs and business are located
types of development (5)
INFILL: the land use of land within built up areas for further construction
GREENSFIELD: land development of undeveloped conservation or agricultural sites
BROWNSFIELD: land development of industrial or contaminated sites
GREYSFIELD: process where new buildings are built in residential areas that already have some buildings. This is usually done when the existing buildings are old and not in good condition anymore. The land becomes valuable, attracting developers to come in and build new structures. So, instead of completely starting from scratch and building a whole new neighborhood, smaller-scale infill development focuses on adding new buildings to the existing area.
happen gradually over time, w
The goal is to make the neighborhood more appealing and bring new life to it.
URBAN RENEWAL: land redevelopment and revitalization of an existing urban area, often in the form of higher density mixed use development
process of improving and revitalizing (renew) an already existing urban area. This is done by changing the way the land is used and making it more densely populated. involves a mix of different types of buildings and spaces, such as residential, commercial, and recreational. The goal is to make the area more vibrant, appealing, and useful for the people who live there and for visitors.
types of urban morphs
figure 2:15 pg 30
type of cost depending of density
medium and high density infill development and brownfield development: help locate the growing population closer to the CBD and other employment areas and along transport corridors
more dispersed patterns of employment development would mean more employment opportunities around outer Melbourne in a polycentric pattern
Geospatial Technologies and Land Use (2)
Aerial Imagery from satellites, aircraft and drones: allow for rapid large scale collection of data about changing land use
- data can be collected and produced as images at different times to monitor change
Global positioning system (GPS): a portable electronic device used to accurately locate positions on or near the earths surface
- receives radio signals from multiple GNSS satellites that orbit the earth to indicate its position
In urban areas what are the Factors that cause land use change
population dynamics, the space, resources and the infrastructure needed to support the population
government and commercial decisions dealing with managements and development of the land
has impact on the environment, society, livability and the economy
How is land use changing in melbourne
Melbourne has grown at a considerable rate, creating extensive expanding of urban landscapes
- Population reached 5.2 mill since 1970
- Expected that population will grow to over 8 mill requiring an additional 1.6 mill dwelling bu 2050
- The zone b/w urban and rural has accounted for over 40% of growth as housing prices are generally more affordable there then the inner suburbs
- Pressure is place on rural industries and infrastructure leading to socio- culture and eco impacts such as a loss for jobs
- Forested areas are diminishing
physica processes in land use change in urban areas
Physical processes are determined largely by the nature of the change and can include
- Earthworks to modify sites
- Soil tests and the removal of contaminants
- Demolition of modification of existing buildings and new construction
- Removal and planning of vegetation
Specific types of land use change requires additional processes such such as upgrades to water, energy, sewage and transport infrastructure to support residential development
Physical processes in urban land use change involve earthworks, soil testing, demolition, vegetation removal, and infrastructure upgrades.
admin processes in land use change in urban areas
Administrative processes are also an essential part of land use change as they determine the nature and extent of physical change. They involve site assessment and changes to planning zones and overlays. Prior to development a site must undergo a range of assessments depending on the nature of the change. This includes
- Transport impact assessment – considers the anticipated traffic and transport implications including parking, pedestrian and bicycle movement
- Site contamination assessment – assess the safety of the site based on previous land uses
- Vegetation assessment – determines the extent of vegetation cover and ecological quality
- Economic impact assessment – considers the potential trading impacts of the site and surrounding regions
Administrative processes include site assessment, changes to planning zones, and overlays. Assessments like transport impact, site contamination, vegetation, and economic impact are essential before development.
Impacts of Land Use Change on Remnant Vegetation and Wildlife
- what is it
- impacts
Land use change from forested land to agricultural and urban uses has resulted in a significant reduction in remnant vegetation in urban areas. Remnant vegetation refers to bushland that remains unchanged from its original state prior to development.
Here are the key impacts of this land use change:
Habitat Loss: The reduction in the size of habitats leads to the loss of bushland, causing habitat fragmentation. Remaining bushland reserves are often surrounded by large residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Habitat Fragmentation: This isolation of wildlife populations due to habitat fragmentation reduces their interconnection with other locations. As a result, the genetic diversity of animal populations decreases.
Susceptibility to Disease: Wildlife populations become more vulnerable to diseases due to the reduced genetic diversity and fragmented habitats.
Reduced Food Supplies: Habitat fragmentation can also lead to reductions in food supplies for wildlife populations, further impacting their survival.
Remnant Vegetation in Urban Environments
Remnant vegetation in urban areas refers to the remaining patches of native plants and trees that have not been cleared for development.
These areas are valuable for their ecological and social benefits, such as providing habitats for wildlife, improving air quality, and offering recreational spaces for people.
Conservation techniques like fencing off regeneration zones, controlling weed spread, and planting indigenous species help protect and restore these remnant areas.
Merri Creek and Marran Baba Parklands in Melbourne
These parklands in Melbourne’s north serve as important habitats that connect fragmented bushland areas, allowing species to move between different populations.
By creating wildlife corridors, these areas help reduce the negative effects of isolation on species and promote biodiversity in the region.
Impact of Urban Development on Landscapes
Urban development leads to an increase in impervious surfaces like roofs, roads, and pavements, which prevent water from soaking into the ground.
This change in the landscape causes reduced water infiltration into the soil and increases the volume of runoff entering waterways through storm drains.
The altered hydrological cycle in urban areas can result in issues like flooding, erosion, and pollution in water bodies.
impacts of land use change in urban areas
- Urban development reduces water infiltration into the soil due to extensive construction of buildings, roads, and footpaths.
- Decreased infiltration leads to increased runoff, carrying pollutants like plastic, oil, and fertilizer into waterways, degrading water quality and harming aquatic habitats.
- Altered water flow in creeks and rivers due to reduced infiltration intensifies erosion and necessitates modifications to urban waterways, potentially increasing downstream flooding risks.
- Dense building materials like concrete and asphalt contribute to the formation of urban heat islands, elevating temperatures and impacting regional climate patterns.
- Overall, urban development significantly alters the landscape, affecting water systems, habitat quality, flood risks, and local climate dynamics.
WSUD techniques
Rainwater tanks: collect stormwater run-off from impervious surfaces such as roofs, reducing the amount that enters our waterways. and reduce the harm to our waterways caused by too much stormwater. Tank water can be used to flush toilets, wash clothes, water gardens and wash cars, significantly reducing demand on drinking water.
Rain Gardens: designed to stop stormwater run-off from polluting our waterways with nutrients, rubbish and sediment
Sediment basins: are ponds with open water that capture coarse sediment and litter carried by stormwater. They intercept stormwater before it reaches the waterway, and slow it down to allow the coarse sediment to fall to the bottom.
Constructed wetlands: series of shallow, densely-planted, man-made ponds that help filter water through physical and biological processes. They provide a natural way to treat and remove pollutants from stormwater before it enters our creeks, rivers and oceans.
Swales: are linear, depressed channels that collect and transfer stormwater. They can be lined with grass or more densely vegetated and landscaped.
