The End of Affordability Part 2

The End of Affordability is a grassroots documentary, and has been divided into 5 parts for viewing on YouTube, each part approximately 5 minutes in duration.

The aim of the film, produced in late 2006, is to provide an overview of the problems associated with what is commonly known as "urban consolidation", with particular reference to the reduction in housing affordability resulting from this disastrous planning policy.

Many governments (including the NSW State Government), environmentalists, planners and business interest have advocated this approach for more than a decade. However, not a single successful example of urban consolidation exists in the world, and there are now a growing number of people and organisations coming out against what is a fundamentally flawed and socially destructive planning ideology.

Dr Tony Recsei, President of Save our Suburbs (SOS) is interviewed about the problems of urban consolidation. Five major issues or "fallacies" are discussed, with the reduction in housing affordability being the biggest problem now facing the first home buyer.

In addition, the fight by CAPO and its thousands of supporters against a major apartment development in the Sydney suburb of Putney is highlighted as a typical example of what is happening in many suburbs and towns around Australia. The democratic rights of citizens and their local councils are being overruled by centralised State Government planning policies. The end result is that the ability of the average individual or family to own and live in their own home is under more threat than at any time in the last 60 years.

The critical problem of housing affordability is confirmed by The National Affordable Housing Forum held at Old Parliament House Canberra on 23-24 July 2006, where it concluded that:

"During the last decade or so,

• average house prices relative to income have almost doubled
• the proportion of first homebuyers has fallen by about 20%
• average monthly payments on new loans have risen by 50%
• the proportion of low-rent homes has fallen by at least 15%
• opportunities to rent public housing have fallen by at least 30%"

For more information about this documentary please contact: Dr Tony Recsei, President of Save our Suburbs on:

• Phone: (02) 9487 2061
• Email: trecsei@bigpond.net.au

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• housing
• affordability
• urban
• consolidation

[wilde567477]

Save Our Suburbs is nothing but a wank outfit which is made entirely up of aging conservative retirees just like that old dinosaur in this video. How are we supposed to live out in the suburbs like these losers want us to with the massive fuel prices we've got now?

[Wildhiland]

Well of course you don't have to live out in the suburbs with these aging loser wankers, you can live in the inner city and pay $500,000 for a nice cosy apartment, and ride your solar powered bike to work (or school). I'm sure you'll be able to afford it when you grow up.

[FireOnHouse]

Hmm, what does some toff from the northern suburbs, with an inherent intellectual shortcoming, know about planning. There are entire university faculties dedicated to urban research which have unanimously, categorically, undisputedly concluded that urban consolidation is environmentally, ecologically, culturally, functionally more viable alternative than the unrestrained and uncontrolled to suburban sprawl. Do we want to turn into LA, Denver, or Detroit?

[Wildhiland]

Really? Well maybe you don't know that for anyone that's completed research at Doctoral and Masters levels as the "toff" & I have done, any group that's unanimously, categorically & undisputedly in agreement indicates it's in the grip of religious & fanatical groupthink. There's just as much university research to show that this fanaticism's misplaced & dangerous. The alternative's not unrestrained & uncontrolled suburban sprawl -- it's a careful and balanced approach that meets people's needs.

[frestylz08]

so true about HK, they are soo much more efficient than us here in sydney. That is because they have a PROPER PUBLIC TRANSPORT infrastructure!!

[Wildhiland]

And of course everyone wants to live in Hong Kong...

[agnorant2008]

decentralise businesses by giving tax incentives. setup business hubs 20km apart or less. setup rhyzomes with direct express transport links. surround each rhyzome with green interconnected circles of forests & agriculture. sewerage can be treated on site. water can be recycled. roofs turned into gardens, especially flat roofs on factories & shopping centres with high rise housing above. etc etc stop wars & share the wealth/greed etc & population will not increase as much as it is doing now.

[agnorant2008]

but when SOS starts to interfere & dictate a continued period style for the sake of period style & sentimentality resulting in hideous mock period revivalist crap everywhere, then i can only continue to challenge SOSs restrictive conservatism. otherwise show us a solution!

[agnorant2008]

? the technology and the innovativeness of many bldng designers (not just architects) can lead to high density complexes that are humane to live in & can be 100% self sufficient. look at mike reynolds earth ships. i agree with SOS that quality period style buildings (including many industrial & commercial) should be protected and be heritage listed to preserve a physical memory & reference of the past...

[agnorant2008]

look at eugene tsuis ideas for high density living. we dont have to live in monolithic soul depleting death boxes. look at what he proposes. so SOS what is the solution? stop immigration? stop people wanting to live in cities? push them out into country towns? how do u accomodate 1500 coming into melbourne & other cities per week?

[zaredb1]

Why does your video neglect to mention that in European cities, many more people walk or bike as the main transport? Does it only suit your agenda to ignore that?

[Jordmate]

very interesting and great information.

[alanshemper]

The way to reduce commute times is simple: people must live closer to their workplaces. Unfortunately that is impossible when each family is on an acre of land.

SOS needn't make it sound like the only choices are either large lots or skyscrapers. What about row houses? There are many options in between them which is great for modern families.