Breaking Point: Future of Australian Cities by Peter Seamer

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Some creasing to front cover. Signed by author.

The way we plan and build cities in Australia needs to change.

Australia's population is growing; between 2017 and 2046, it is projected to increase by 11.8 million, the equivalent of adding a city the size of Canberra each year for thirty years.

Most of this growth will occur in the major cities, and already its effects are being felt with inner-city property prices skyrocketing and the more affordable middle and outer suburbs lacking essential services and infrastructure.

The result is inequality as wealthy inner-city dwellers enjoy access to government-subsidised services, public transport, and cultural and sporting facilities. At the same time, new home buyers pushed further out, pay the lion's share of the costs.

So how can we create affordable housing for everyone and still get them to work in the morning? What does sustainable urban development look like?

In this timely critique of our nation's urban development and planning culture, Peter Seamer argues that vested interests often distort rational thinking on our cities.

Looking to the future, he sets out cogent new strategies to resolve congestion, transport and expenditure problems, offering a blueprint for multi-centred Australian cities that are more localised, urban and equitable in nature. (back cover)