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Urbanisation and Landscapes

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Urbanisation and Landscapes

Read the case study to investigate how urban growth affects landscapes and how planning can make growth more sustainable.

Case study: Banksia Creek

Banksia Creek is a fictional outer suburb on the edge of an Australian city. In 2005, most of the area was farmland and woodland. By 2025, new homes, roads and a shopping centre had been built. The suburb grew because people wanted more housing and access to jobs and services. Some creek-side vegetation was cleared, and roofs and roads covered soil that once absorbed rain. During heavy rain, more water now runs quickly into the creek. The local council is planning the next stage of development. Residents have suggested protecting a creek corridor, adding tree-lined walking paths and using rain gardens to slow and filter stormwater. The area is also part of the Country of the Traditional Custodians, whose connections to land and water should be respected in planning.

Read the landscape

Answer using evidence from the case study.

1.In your own words, what does urbanisation mean? Explain how Banksia Creek shows this process.

2.The case study says residents suggested protecting a creek corridor. Which land-use type does this suggestion aim to protect?

Housing
Native vegetation
Farmland
Shopping centre

3.The case study says some creek-side vegetation was cleared. Why could further development near the creek put pressure on this natural land?

4.Which source would best help a geographer compare how Banksia Creek changed between 2005 and 2025?

Satellite images from both years
A single photograph with no date
A daily weather forecast
A list of local shop prices

5.Complete the sentence: Roads and roofs are often surfaces, so rainwater runs off them instead of soaking into the soil.

6.Explain one way that clearing vegetation or covering soil can change the creek landscape.

7.Match each planning action to its most likely benefit.

Protect a creek-side vegetation corridor
Install rain gardens
Add tree-lined walking paths

Slows and filters stormwater
Provides shade and supports walking
Maintains habitat and helps stabilise creek banks

8.Why should the Traditional Custodians' connections to Country be considered before new development is approved?

9.A planner says, “More housing is needed, so all creek-side vegetation should be cleared.” Give one reason this plan may be unsustainable.

10.Choose one feature for the next stage of Banksia Creek: a protected creek corridor, rain gardens, or tree-lined paths. Explain how it would help both people and the environment.