Why Are People Still Driving Cars in Australia

Australia is the largest country in the world by land area, 3860 kilometers long from its most northerly point to its most southerly point in Tasmania, and nearly 4000 kilometers wide from east to west. This vast geographical expanse poses significant challenges for transportation and has led to a strong reliance on automobiles. Despite the prevalence of environmentally friendly and active transportation methods, cars remain the preferred mode of transport, driven by a century of propaganda and poor urban planning.

The Extent of Australia's Geographical Challenges

The size of Australia cannot be understated. Its immense dimensions have major implications for transportation and infrastructure. For instance, the journey from Sydney to Perth covers a distance of over 3000 miles, which would be significantly longer by any other means of transport. This vastness makes Australia unique in terms of transportation needs, making cars a practical and efficient choice for many individuals.

Primary Factors Contributing to Car Dependence

Two major factors contribute to the prevalence of car usage in Australia: a century of propaganda and suboptimal urban planning.

Propaganda and Brainwashing

For over a century, propaganda has heavily influenced Australians to prioritize car usage. This brainwashing has been so effective that it has become deeply ingrained in the national psyche. Car manufacturers, oil companies, and other stakeholders invested significant resources in promoting the convenience, status, and necessity of automobiles, leaving a lasting impact on transportation preferences.

Suboptimal Urban Planning

Urban planning in Australia has largely focused on ensuring car accessibility, with many areas planned without proper consideration of public transport or alternative modes of transport. Houses are often built in suburbs with no sewerage, no paved roads, or proper guttering. Furthermore, the provision of public transport has been hindered by a lack of infrastructure and inadequate planning. This reliance on car-based transport is ingrained in the urban fabric of numerous cities and towns across Australia.

Historical Context

The Whitlam government of 1972-75 attempted to address some of these issues by improving infrastructure, such as raising sewerage provision from around 50% to close to 100%. However, the poor initial planning meant that many areas remained car-dependent. Issues such as overhead power and telecommunications poles and the lack of integration of bicycle routes with the built environment persist to this day. As a result, the integration of public transport and other modes of sustainable transportation remains challenging.

Misconceptions and Jokes

Sometimes, the reasons given for car dependence in Australia are overly simplified or even humorous. For instance, some people joke that there aren’t enough camels for everyone, or that all houses are on water, making travel by boat, jet ski, surfboard, and kayak the preferred method. While these jokes may capture a sense of national humor, they do not reflect the realities faced by the majority of Australians on a daily basis.

In summary, the reliance on cars in Australia is due to a combination of historical propaganda and poor urban planning. Addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach, including improved infrastructure, policy changes, and a shift towards integrating multiple modes of transportation to suit the vast and diverse geography of Australia.