With dwindling water supplies, minimal public transport and uncertain fossil fuel supplies, it is a wonder that anyone would want to move to south-east Queensland.
But the region is becoming increasingly built-out by eager developers and investors.
In response to this dilemma, The University of Queensland’s Professor Peter Spearritt presents “The 200 kilometre city: the fate of south-east Queensland”, a public lecture for the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies on Thursday April 19.
In his lecture, Professor Spearritt will discuss why the coastal zone of south-east Queensland has seen more urban development than any other coastal area in Australia since the 1950s.
According to Professor Spearritt, this development means only tiny portions of the coast are preserved in national parks or coastal reserves and housing is becoming progressively less affordable.
“Our water supply is perilously low, yet our power stations still use potable water,” he said.
“Our bays and streams are under threat.
“Recycling is belatedly on the horizon but the bulk of council, state and private investment funding is still going into new roads and tunnels, predicated on cheap oil and a city determined to encourage motorists to travel everywhere at speed.
“Public transport in most of the region is woefully under-used.”
Prof Spearritt will discuss why this doesn’t sound like a sustainable 21st century city and why it isn’t.
Members of the public and the university community are invited to attend this free lecture, held in the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, St Lucia Campus from 5.30 to 6.30pm on Thursday, April 19.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Enquiries to Rebecca Ralph, Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies. Phone (07) 3346 7407, fax (07) 3365 7184, email r.ralph@uq.edu.au or visit www.cccs.uq.edu.au
Media: For further information contact Tegan Taylor on (07) 3365 2339.
