Based on observations of the rapidly growing area of south-east Queensland, the mechanisms and fcailitators of urban sprawl are examined. Low density, fringe-urban population growth is shown to be encouraged and subsidised in several ways, as the by-product of the policies and practices of state and local government agencies. Residential location choices (where people choose to build houses and live) are strongly influenced by perceived household transport costs. The provision of transport infrastructure can and should be used to change perceived transport costs and influence urban development patterns to reduce urban sprawl. At present, government policies, particularly in respect of major road construction, are doing exactly the opposite, and encouraging urban sprawl. One of the primary drivers of urban sprawl in south east Queensland is the construction by the Department of Main Roads of high-speed, fringe-urban rural freeway standard radial roads, developed with the worthwhile objectives of lowering inter-regional transport costs, encouraging tourism and industry, reducing accident costs, etc. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E211783.
Abstract