URBAN SPRAWL/SUBURBANISATION
Urban sprawl/suburbanisation: the uncontrolled spread of urban development into neighboring regions.
Campbelltown is a prime example of a suburb experiencing Sydney's south-western urban sprawl.
History
In 1805 Governor McArthur was granted 5,000 acres of land to breed sheep for exportation to Great Britain. The governor's land became what we know today as the Sydney suburb of Campbelltown. In the time frame of a year, 107 settlers had migrated to the area. The rise in population called for proper development to cater for the increasing number of migrants. Over the next 30 years, Campbelltown became a main route for travel to the south-western plains and the first Post Office was opened. By 1926, British surveyor Robert Hoddle surveyed the land and developed infrastructure plans. By 1931 a local school, doctor's office and local police were appointed. Also, many buildings for industry and residence were either developed or underway. The founding industries at this point in time were wheat and flour milling which attracted higher population numbers from surrounding districts. At this stage, many occupants of the region realised the growing problem of water insufficiency. In response, a reservoir was built which became the town's main water supply. By the early 1900's Campbelltown had become a thriving district with an approximate population of 3,000. Extensive railway lines were established along with a public library, multiple churches, a fire station, courthouse and many other public facilities. By 1930, Campbelltown was connected to electricity, water and gas utilities. The region's growing population reached a peak in 1963 with a recorded 24 000 residents. With the turn of the century Campbelltown declared a total of 146, 000 inhabitants and local government authorities till this day continue to make more plans to expand.
Reasons
The primary reason Campbelltown had to undergo urban sprawl was because of the high influx of interstate migrants who were attracted to the region's housing accommodations, employment opportunities, availability of public services (e.g.: public transport such as the Sydney and Campbelltown railway lines offering affordable travel within the Campbelltown as well as neighbouring suburbia) and most importantly sufficient food and water supply. In order to accommodate for the rapid inflow of citizens the local government needed more land to develop infrastructure.
Impacts
Campbelltown residences on the fringe of developmentCampbelltown's suburbanisation has resulted in drastic impacts on the physical environment. Natural stretches of land have been cleared to make room for man-made developments to cater for growing population numbers. As a result not only have farmland and potential plots of agricultural opportunity been negatively effected but also many native wildlife both flora and fauna have suffered from habitat loss and many species are currently endangered because of this. Also, the lopping down of trees has translated into their inability to absorb the toxic greenhouse gases produced by industries and on increased car use by residents. This opens a whole new chapter on pollution. Air pollution in bustling suburbs such as Campbelltown is a growing issue for the health of the vast human population which is being put at risk. The effects of urban sprawl can also be seen in the human environment. Economically speaking, urban sprawl has resulted in higher taxes for Campbelltown inhabitants living near developing areas due to the need for additional government agencies to supervise the extra citizens. In terms of housing costs for Campbelltown residents on the fringe of development, land and houses are more cost efficient. As a people, newly formed communities of Campbelltown residents place high value on the values and ethics of being a community though supporting local sporting heroes and teams and holding regular festivals such as the Festival of Fisher's Ghost.