tunnel vision
Away from the festive mood and back to the real world now. The first issue of the year for ben.ism investigation is the NSW Government's transport blueprint for inner Sydney.I would like to say firstly that my breath would probably be wasted typing a long spiel on this because it will simply be shelved a few months down the track or by successive governments who lack any vision for this city. I'll keep this short.
Simply, this blueprint says that to support the Metro being planned for Sydney and the Parramatta Road coridor, population densities will need to be increased. Cities that have inspired this common sense thought include the world cities of Hong Kong, London, Tokyo and New York.
I am already hearing people balk at this idea. Sydney people should forget about the idealistic quarter acre block and large backyards in the inner city. It just won't happen. Those that choose to live within minutes from the city have chosen their desired lifestyle. They don't need people from out west, up north or anywhere else in Sydney to influence what would otherwise be a proposal that is clearly in support of such a lifestyle of ease and convenience. Talk about people poking their noses into other people's business. Having high rises in Leichardt is not going to impact upon people living in Campbelltown other than their own personal dislike of city development. They chose to live in Campbelltown as those in Leichardt did for their own personal reasons. It is these people who make a fuss about things that they clearly are not privy to that stall the process by empowering other foolish like-minded people to act. Public opinion regarding high rises in Leichardt should not drowned out by unaffected stakeholders.
I agree with increasing densities around metro stations. It is the only way to justify the feasibility of offering such a method of transportation. There is a need for constant patronage to sustain the 2 minuute frequency of the metro system. Having said this, putting multiple highrise apartments will not solve the problem. More thorough planning of the commercial and other infrastructure needs of these inner city areas need to be undertaken. An expansion in commercial opportunities will need to follow, as well as greater access to health and educational facilities.
Far more thought is required before this blueprint becomes reality. My simple logic has already raised so many concerns. This plan is also highly unlikely to get off the ground without proper coordination between all the various government agencies. With the government as it is, I have nothing more to say.
benny | Tuesday, January 06, 2009 
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