Urban political conflict in Australia : the redevelopment of inner Sydney

Abstract

Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world. However, the study of urban politics in Australia is still developing. This thesis contributes to such study through an empirical analysis of two case studies of inner city redevelopment: the rezoning of five sites in Sydney’s Balmain and the City West project in Ultimo- Pyrmont. A number of theoretical approaches to urban politics - “community power” approach, “growth machine” analysis and Stone’s urban regime analysis are examined as alternative frameworks for analysis. The attempt to apply the frameworks of analysis highlights some distinctive features of Australian urban politics. Urban regime theory, modified to take account of the particular historical and institutional context, provides valuable insights. The crucial aspect of urban regime analysis is its focus on the arrangements of political power in the city. Even though cities are constrained by larger political and economic forces, they can also transform themselves through the capacity of the urban regime to moderate the context. However, the study shows that the capacity remains limited and can vary on a projectby- project basis. Some projects are successful; others face delays, as was evident in the two case studies. The case studies suggest the need to put a “local” focus back into the theory of urban politics.