Lessons for the future of urban Australia.

In recent years, south-east Queensland has become Australia’s fastest growing urban area, with population levels expected to double over the next 20 years. This growth has caused water and housing shortages, while traffic congestion steadily increases, all of which has led to one of the world’s most challenging urban management situations.

A Climate for Growth brings together expert contributors to address key topics in the growth debate. Peter Spearritt tracks the emergence of a ‘200-kilometre city’ in south-east Queensland; while Ian Lowe gives a timely reminder of the serious resource shortages and environmental issues that have emerged. Other contributors consider design for this climate, with an emphasis on integrating transport and greenspace; chart the haphazard evolution of the region’s transport system; and show the impact of local voices on planning in their own communities.

The growth dilemmas facing Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine coasts and surrounding areas will ultimately affect all of metropolitan Australia: whether to build infrastructure that eases water and transport deficits but hastens climate change; how to address rising community unease about growth; how to develop the governance capacity to build on progressive practices. These issues will impact every Australian living in urban areas or ‘growth corridors’. pp. 345 Illustrated #0516