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Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the most important ports in the South Pacific.
As the largest city in Australia, it plays a large financial and
commercial role as well. Despite the numerous physical
obstacles, such as steepness of land, liability to flooding,
water catchments and coastal protection zones, Sydney remains
home to over 20% of the nation's population.
Currently, inner and middle suburbs are experiencing a decline
in population, while areas on the periphery are experiencing
rapid population growth.
Sydney is an important industrial centre and accounts for about
one third of employment in finance in Australia. The main
industries are in consumer goods production. Other industries
include engineering, railway and transportation equipment,
motor vehicles, electronics, chemicals, plastics and refined
petroleum products. Rich cattle and sheep-raising areas in New
South Wales have made Sydney an important livestock and
woolmarket. Major exports include coal, meat, wheat and wool.
Sydney is also a city of government, commerce and entertainment.
Housing standards are generally high in Sydney. Houses are
large and the Government has promoted home-ownership through
financial incentives and subsidies. Some low income groups have
access to public housing, and there are few squatter
settlements.
Average water consumption is high in Sydney, and almost all
households within the built-up areas have a piped water supply.
Refuse is collected and over 90% of households are connected to
the sewage network.
In 1971, approximately 70% of all trips in Sydney were by way
of private automobile. The decentralization of employment has
increased the need for cars. This has resulted in severe
traffic congestion and has exacerbated the problem of air
pollution.
The ability of city planners in Sydney to control population
has been skewed by immigration. Immigrants to Australia
generally settle in Sydney, thereby continually increasing the
population and creating greater demands for limited housing
within the city.
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