The use of land resources

This chapter considers the interaction between humans, communities and place, how that has evolved in the Australian context and the implications for this interface now and in the future. The history of land uses and urban development often exhibits non-sequential, haphazard and opportunistic characteristics, which may or may not align with contemporary, generic perceptions. This history extends back over 5,000 years or more as the first, organised urban settlements began to emerge; however, its events and developments have fundamentally produced the built forms and urban settlements that now exist. Stein recognises the significant conflicts that have emerged across the various competing interests which form part of the development and use of land resources. The history of establishment, urban development and urban patterns of Australian cities are reasonably similar – not surprising, given that all were largely developed in the same era.