Where have all the backyards gone?

The Urban Research Program at Griffith University has released a research paper by Professor Tony Hall called “Where Have All the Gardens Gone?” It is an investigation into the disappearance of backyards in the newer Australian suburbs.

 

The paper examines the changing shape of new suburbs, focusing on layout and yard space, while considering how those trends relate to the history of suburb development and what has been going on overseas. The alarming fact is that our backyards are getting smaller – mainly because houses in new developments are getting bigger and bigger, taking up more and more of the block. Whereas previously a home may only take 30 or 40 per cent of a block – leaving plenty of space for lawn, play area and of course a swimming pool – the houses are now taking every available inch – averaging up to 60 per cent and in some cases up to 70 per cent.

 

It also shows that this trend is distinctly Australian. While it is happening in every major Australian city with the exception of Adelaide, it is not happening overseas – not in north America, New Zealand or northwest Europe. And the report finds there are a number of negative consequences to this trend. The outer suburbs are no longer full of large gardens with trees. Surprisingly, these types of backyards are confined to the inner suburbs. This will have serious ecological consequences, according to Hall.

 

Additionally, it dramatically effects the quality of life of people living in this space-poor environment. It will make children less healthy, neighbours more confrontational and lead to a life lived indoors. 

 

The full report can be downloaded from here.