Building better

New suburban developments will always prompt strong feelings, particularly among neighbours. It’s the nature of these developments that determines whether locals will look optimistically at what new subdivisions can offer the community and the environment, or whether they will be met with trepidation.

At a recent economic development forum, prominent Fleurieu business leaders agreed that our region cannot afford to roll out the kinds of suburbs linked with poor social, economic and environmental outcomes. As one panellist said, ‘Our suburbs are already too hot and they’re going to get a whole lot hotter under climate change. We know we can do better.’ Another of the panellists said, ‘I worry about sounding elitist, but we need higher-quality housing in the south. It’s hard to attract professionals to the