Urban planner slams Adelaide

[Magpiespower]

A particularly scathing assessment from John Montgomery in today's SMH...

Adelaide: beautiful one day, comatose the rest
John Montgomery
15 May 2008

Advertisements on Sydney's railway stations are telling frustrated commuters: "You'd be home by now if you lived in Adelaide." And a special report on South Australia's economy published in The Australian this month hailed Adelaide's economic turnaround and a coming mining boom.

What masterpieces of floss and wishful thinking. The South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, urges us all to see how Adelaide has changed. But I returned to Adelaide in October last year after a gap of nearly three years. Adelaide has changed: for the worse.

I checked out my old haunts. The West End, once a thriving hub of artists, was a ghost town during the day, and a wild west of binge drinkers at night. I visited Central Market early on a Saturday morning, picking my way through vomit and broken glass, and came upon about 15 drunks fighting over a taxi. This was at 7am, outside McDonald's and about 100 metres from the police station. There were no police in sight.

The market was as I remembered it: daggy and dingy. In Rundle Street East, nearly all the good restaurants have disappeared. The Exeter Hotel, in these new puritan days, is suffering from the smoking ban. I saw little sign of new development, except for the City Council-promoted redevelopment of the bus station, and the Law Courts. The latter is certainly large, perhaps to cope with the serial murderers and molesters for which Adelaide is becoming infamous.

Adelaide might have a Perth-style resources-led boom, which I rather doubt, but let's hope so - the city has little else to offer as an economic hub. Defence contracts are all very well, but they are based on government largesse rather than new wealth creation. They are simply plugging the gap left by the Mitsubishi closure. The reason Adelaide is so "competitive" as a business location is that no one wants to move there, other than a few downsizing "lifestyle" businesses.

Meanwhile, Adelaide continues to lose its brightest and best to Sydney and Melbourne. This has been going on for years and I fear the momentum will not slow, because Adelaide is a city that dashes opportunity. Its economy lacks dynamism - at first an attractive feature, as living there is easy and there are no traffic jams. But after a few months you begin to notice that nothing ever happens. There is no thriving creative industry, although the potential is plain to see, and Adelaide's arts sector is largely welfare-dependent.

Most people who arrive with optimism and new ideas leave again in a year or two. Meanwhile Adelaide gets back to its favorite pastime of navel-gazing, holding conferences and festivals and appointing "thinkers-in-residence" from Tony Blair's Britain. Meant to signal "cutting edge practice", this instead confirms the cultural cringe. Someone should point out that Blair is no longer Britain's prime minister and is widely derided as the worst incumbent of Downing Street in living memory (a feat in itself). The truth is that New Labour made a mess of Britain. So why copy the politics of failure?

Adelaide's slowness suits some people well, especially the civil servants and politicians who strut about as if they own the place. I suppose they do, in a way. They like Adelaide the way it is. But those who want to see the city revitalised need to understand this will happen only if the city rediscovers enterprise and small business growth and a varied and dynamic economy. Governments do not create wealth, they never have. Another one-shot deal, mining, will not be sufficient to remake a city.

In her masterpiece, The Death And Life Of Great American Cities, Jane Jacobs writes that if cities do not maintain economic dynamism they revert to "dull and inert towns". Sadly, this once great little city is on the slippery slope. Nothing happens in Adelaide because nothing happens. They prefer to talk about it.

Dr John Montgomery is an urban planner and the author of The New Wealth Of Cities: City Dynamics And The Fifth Wave. He lived in Adelaide from October 2002 to May 2004.

[Brock Landers]

Pretty harsh, but I agree that change needs to be able to happen easier in Adelaide. It seems that a minority can hold the rest of the population to ransom over any proposed changes.

[evans01]

Pretty harsh, but I agree that change needs to be able to happen easier in Adelaide. It seems that a minority can hold the rest of the population to ransom over any proposed changes.

not harsh at all, sadly its true! very true!............and at least someone has the balls to say it instead of hiding under some politically correct sweeping statement that only scratches the surface of Adelaide's issues..

I truely believe alot of people are "happy" that Adelaide is somewhat conservative in its approach, but the downside is nothing changes, nothing has, nothing will.......which is a sad state of affairs cos alot of the best and brightest people are forced to move on......

I still love Adelaide is was my home and is still in my heart but glad i saw the light and got out........not one minute of regret..!!!!

Wake up Adelaide!!!!......

[smac]

At first glance, he makes some relevant points.

There are a number of developments around Adelaide, that the writer must have gone past to get to all of the places he spoke of that he has not cared to mention (I could walk to 7 in less than 5 minutes from where I currently sit).

But the article smacks of someone who is cheesed off at the advertisements in Sydney and wants to take a swipe, not sure what purpose it serves other than to make himself (and perhaps his readers) feel better about where they live. Disappointing from a reputable urban planner, you would think they had better things to do than perpetuate such myths as he has done here - serial killers? Much better off with their gang rapists and knife killers, I'm sure (see, we can all do it. ).

Parochial tripe, kind of like listening to KG talk about Adelaide.

[Pseudo]

Adelaide: beautiful one day, comatose the rest
John Montgomery
15 May 2008
[...]
Defence contracts are all very well, but they are based on government largesse rather than new wealth creation. They are simply plugging the gap left by the Mitsubishi closure.

The article as a whole was utter hogwash, written by one of those negative nancies who seem all too eager to bash Adelaide in the press. The only negative thing about Adelaide is the fact that it seems to be populated by folk who believe all the ill-founded criticism which is levelled at it. Sure, Adelaide might be an economic minnow compared to the Eastern cities, but to suggest that nothing ever happens here is ignorant in the extreme.

I take particular exception to this clown's assessment of defence. Adelaide is THE defence hub of Australia. Almost all of the useful defence research is done here, many defence contractors are based here, and the manufacturing skills base is perfectly suited to defence construction. That is why defence contracts end up here. Not because of any "government largesse", but because the state has successfully carved itself a niche in defence. SA has the skills and the know-how. Pockets of expertise (on the academic side of things) exist elsewhere in the country - I can think of one group at Melbourne Uni, and a few places in Queensland - and NONE in NSW, save the small DSTO contingent. No, SA wins the defence contracts because it is BEST SUITED for them. Anyone who would blow off the importance of the defence industry in an assessment of SA's worth is an ignorant fool.

... and that still doesn't change the fact that I can get home about half an hour quicker than it would take me in Sydney.

[therisingblues]

Interesting read.
I have often wondered what gives Adelaide its reputation as a backwater where nothing ever happens. John Montgomery seems to nominate easy living and the will of local politicians to keep it that way, in turn this leads to a talent drain to the east coast because this environment means nothing ever happens.
I don't get all the references to the Blair government, but I haven't lived in Australia for over 7 years so I miss the details of politics.
But to be honest, each time I return to Adelaide there's something eyecatching and new there.
All the new businesses around the airport, the sports arena in the Western Parklands, and new buildings around the center of town, off the top of my head.
It appears to me that people have been making the effort, but Adelaide is up to a hard task IMO. I think I have mentioned before on here that my theory on Adelaide is that it is big enought to be dynamic, but it is too close to the East Coast to give it independence. Comparing Adelaide with Fukuoka Japan is interesting. Both cities have about the same population, yet Fukuoka's is concentrated, and is also complimented by an extra 3 million or so that live in outlying towns and cities.
Fukuoka is Adelaide sized, yet it is the center and focal point for about 4 million people scattered about the area. Adelaide is much the opposite. Same size, but with very few nearby, with larger centers located just close enough to siphon the attention away.
That's just my view as an Adelaidian who has lived away from home for a long time. Adelaide is a little sleepy, but it is usually Sydney that makes the news overseas for things that make you glad you don't live there! I am sure in every city of over a million people anywhere in the world you'll find at least 100,000 people or more that will complain about it. Often it just comes down to taste and what people choose to highlight.
As Smac said, it would be just as easy to get stuck into Sydney, or any of the other cities in Australia.

[Rik E Boy]

This bloke has got to be the laziest Doctor in existence. That serial killer reference just gave it away. As far as I know of another Bunting or Von Eimen hasn't emerged yet this decade. So this doofus walks to the markets and down Hindley Street and that was all she wrote. Someone told this dipshit Mitsi's had closed. Might as well all move out boys. He lived in Adelaide for two years and probably spent the whole time hanging out at the same club which has probably shut it's doors since. Boo friggin hoo.

I too used to live in Adelaide but I notice that for the first time in many years there are Cranes in the City square, the tramlines have finally gained some legs and the airport is fantastic these days. Unlike a (real) research shy academic, South Australians have not been sitting on their hands or navel gazing.

The reason I left Adelaide was because I was the only one earning a decent quid and on one wage that means buying a house in a part of the city that would give me Sydney like commuting times far away from my stomping ground of Mile End/Richmond/Marleston. Doc Slackbastard is right about the lack of opportunity but as rising has said, Adelaide is up to the task. My mate Darios just came back from SA and said that Adelaide was the best city in Australia and he has been all over the world.

The biggest problem is negativity. Don't believe the cheap throwaway lines of this wanker who got paid to scribble down a few thoughts on a napkin while he was sipping his cocktail in the Hyatt. My son could write a better piece.

regards,

REB

[Cambridge Clarrie]

Just came back from Sydney this morning... read this article at the airport.

The guy that wrote it sounds like a bit of a knob...

Essentially there is some truth about what he's saying. Adelaide is quiet and doesn't have the same levels of proactivity found in Sydney. It also doesn't have Sydney's levels of smog, their toll roads on which you still experience traffic jams, their filthy city streets or extremely cramped accommodation.

Having said that i also love Sydney for what it is. Why compare? They're two very different sized cities... As a marketer, I reckon the ads we've placed over there are great. They certainly plant the seed in peoples minds that you don't need to spend 90 mins getting to work each morning and then the same at night going home. No one's bagging Sydney, they're just stating a fact and one that I'm sure many living in Sydney are all too aware of.

ultimately, this guy's taken offence when in my opinion none was intended and then thought "I'll get back at them by pulling out a heap of inaccurate Adelaide stereotypes" rather than putting any thought into his article.

[evans01]

This bloke has got to be the laziest Doctor in existence. That serial killer reference just gave it away. As far as I know of another Bunting or Von Eimen hasn't emerged yet this decade. So this doofus walks to the markets and down Hindley Street and that was all she wrote. Someone told this dipshit Mitsi's had closed. Might as well all move out boys. He lived in Adelaide for two years and probably spent the whole time hanging out at the same club which has probably shut it's doors since. Boo friggin hoo.

I too used to live in Adelaide but I notice that for the first time in many years there are Cranes in the City square, the tramlines have finally gained some legs and the airport is fantastic these days. Unlike a (real) research shy academic, South Australians have not been sitting on their hands or navel gazing.

The reason I left Adelaide was because I was the only one earning a decent quid and on one wage that means buying a house in a part of the city that would give me Sydney like commuting times far away from my stomping ground of Mile End/Richmond/Marleston. Doc Slackbastard is right about the lack of opportunity but as rising has said, Adelaide is up to the task. My mate Darios just came back from SA and said that Adelaide was the best city in Australia and he has been all over the world.

The biggest problem is negativity. Don't believe the cheap throwaway lines of this wanker who got paid to scribble down a few thoughts on a napkin while he was sipping his cocktail in the Hyatt. My son could write a better piece.

regards,

REB

REB i can see wot your saying but this guy does have alot of valid points....the main one being if you dont change and/or embrace it you will eventually suffer and that is exactly wot has and continues to happen in Adelaide like it or not.....there is no doubt that in most industries etc Adelaide is very much the poor cousin in comparison to the Eastern states (and Western nowdays)..........

Sure Adelaide is a nice place to live but it is quiet, humble place kind of city that doesnt like or embrace major change and this is very much to its detriment.....

I am not saying it should be transformed and try to compete with the likes of Sydney/Melbourne or even Brisbane for than matter but South Australia must become more pro active in its approach or else the entire population will suffer and the continued drain of trained quality people will continue...........

You cant continue to live with your head in the sand and pretend it isnt happening coz its this attitude which has had an enormous effect on the state far more than any level of negativity...

there endth my vent...

[JK]

What he doesn't touch on is that Adelaide didn't fall behind other capital cities overnight, it's been a case of stifled progress for 20+ years, but I have no doubt whatsoever that we are miles behind ... Our infrastructure is ordinary at best and what attractions do we really have?

The state does indeed need some revitalisation and injection of energy, surely many of us are sick of seeing younger friends or family members move interstate not because they want, but because they have to by virtue of opportunity and lifestyle?

[smac]

surely many of us are sick of seeing younger friends or family members move interstate not because they want, but because they have to by virtue of opportunity and lifestyle?

I was talking about this topic with a couple of colleagues earlier in the week and we all had noticed this, but in addition there is the coming home factor with a lot of the 'escapees' once they start families. It seems that personal/career growth is made outside of SA but when it comes time to raise kids, a lot acknowledge the lifestyle advantages on offer here.

Not sure that adds value to the conversation, just an observation we all made.

[JK]

surely many of us are sick of seeing younger friends or family members move interstate not because they want, but because they have to by virtue of opportunity and lifestyle?

I was talking about this topic with a couple of colleagues earlier in the week and we all had noticed this, but in addition there is the coming home factor with a lot of the 'escapees' once they start families. It seems that personal/career growth is made outside of SA but when it comes time to raise kids, a lot acknowledge the lifestyle advantages on offer here.

Not sure that adds value to the conversation, just an observation we all made.

I reckon you're spot on mate, I've always though that way too ... Adelaide's slower pace and perhaps family values bring the clan back here, but that in itself shows there isn't as much for the younger generations because we're top heavy age-wise.

Just think this state could do so much more ... Granted it's been a long recovery since the State Bank debacle, but let's get this state happening.

[Golo#46]

Unfortunately, the thought that nothing happens here is shared by the residents of Adelaide. I had a bird say to me that she doesn't like it here because its boring... well, maybe if we didn't pack all our events into one freakin' month, people like Dr Anussmashingsydneyresident would shut up, and people would stop calling us boring.

Now I need a lie down, It's past my bedtime (not!)

[Psyber]

I think Adelaide is a great place, a good looking city, reasonably easy to get around in, and about the right size.
If the climate were a little cooler and the air a bit cleaner we would still live there, but it is Hell on my wife's asthma.

I've been to Sydney a few times in my childhood and teens, but don't intend to ever go there again.
[We used to stay with an Aunt in Leichhardt.]

[johntheclaret]

I think Adelaide is a great place, a good looking city, reasonably easy to get around in, and about the right size.If the climate were a little cooler and the air a bit cleaner we would still live there, but it is Hell on my wife's asthma.

I've been to Sydney a few times in my childhood and teens, but don't intend to ever go there again.
[We used to stay with an Aunt in Leichhardt.]

At last..... Well said Psyber. You don't know what you've got till it's gone.

[Rik E Boy]

I think Adelaide is a great place, a good looking city, reasonably easy to get around in, and about the right size.
If the climate were a little cooler and the air a bit cleaner we would still live there, but it is Hell on my wife's asthma.

I've been to Sydney a few times in my childhood and teens, but don't intend to ever go there again.
[We used to stay with an Aunt in Leichhardt.]

Interesting post about your wife's Asthma. I've been an Asthmatic all of my life and was born in Sydney and just couldn't breathe as a kid. Came to Adelaide when I was nine and Asthma problems over. Now I'm in Qld I'm getting Asthma again. When my working days are over I plan to return home with one less medical **** to deal with in my old age.

regards,

REB

[am Bays]

surely many of us are sick of seeing younger friends or family members move interstate not because they want, but because they have to by virtue of opportunity and lifestyle?

I was talking about this topic with a couple of colleagues earlier in the week and we all had noticed this, but in addition there is the coming home factor with a lot of the 'escapees' once they start families. It seems that personal/career growth is made outside of SA but when it comes time to raise kids, a lot acknowledge the lifestyle advantages on offer here.

Not sure that adds value to the conversation, just an observation we all made.

I reckon you're spot on mate, I've always though that way too ... Adelaide's slower pace and perhaps family values bring the clan back here, but that in itself shows there isn't as much for the younger generations because we're top heavy age-wise.

Just think this state could do so much more ... Granted it's been a long recovery since the State Bank debacle, but let's get this state happening.

That's my wife and I down to a "T", moved away to get a start career wise moved back to bring up the family.

Family, good lifestlyle, friends, SANFL footy why would you want to live anywhere else???

[Punk Rooster]

I firmly believe that the next 20 years will be in direct contrast to the last 20 years.
The state was nearly bankrupted by the State Bank debacle, it's been a long slow recovery.
It's only recently we've had the opportunity to look at developing infrastructure- the tram extension for one.
I have explained this to younger friends, who've never seen development in Adelaide before.

[Dog_ger]

Are we going to run out of water Punk

Our infastructure may not be able to sustain another million people.

Trams won't save our state...

Desalination may be an election ploy and the wrong way to go...?

[Psyber]

I think Adelaide is a great place, a good looking city, reasonably easy to get around in, and about the right size.
If the climate were a little cooler and the air a bit cleaner we would still live there, but it is Hell on my wife's asthma.

I've been to Sydney a few times in my childhood and teens, but don't intend to ever go there again.
[We used to stay with an Aunt in Leichhardt.]

Interesting post about your wife's Asthma. I've been an Asthmatic all of my life and was born in Sydney and just couldn't breathe as a kid. Came to Adelaide when I was nine and Asthma problems over. Now I'm in Qld I'm getting Asthma again. When my working days are over I plan to return home with one less medical num num num num to deal with in my old age.

regards,

REB

It depends what you are allergic to, I think - in my wife's case Plane Trees and Manna Ash trees, both common in Adelaide because they do well in dry climates, are a problem. Also she is sensitive to petrochemicals [including azo dyes in food] and I suspect Adelaide's airport being in the city, and Adelaide being in a bowl that makes the allergen dispersal, a problem are an issue. She did better when we lived in the hills, and we stay at Aldgate usually when we visit. She had been much better in Melbourne until the DSE started burning the forests much more in 2005, and there is smoke everywhere. [DSE = Department of Sustainability and the Environment.]

My father was fine in Moonta, and got allergies and asthma in Adelaide. He was usually fairly OK in Melbourne or Broken Hill, but always ill in Sydney - I remember corroded rooofs on hotels and soot floating in swimming pools from my last trip there, after my Aunt's death.

I imagine mould sensitivites would matter more in Sydney and Qld.

I'm glad, having seen my father struggle with severe asthma, to have never suffered it, but I'm a bit prone to skin reactions from brushing against plants. In Adelaide I tend to get rashes at the top of my ears near the hairline - something that drops out of the sky I assume.