[Peakoil] Oil Vulnerability in Australian Cities: Qld report

[Alex P]

May be of interest

Alex
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ACT Peak Oil discussion list
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[The full report can be viewed at
http://www.griffith.edu.au/centre/urp/URP_RP6_OilVulnerability_Final.pdf
 ]

Outer suburbs feel squeeze from rising petrol prices

A new Griffith University report has found poorer outer suburbs in
Australian cities are likely to be most affected by rising petrol
costs because of their dependence on motor vehicles and limited access
to public transport.
This contrasts sharply with wealthy inner suburbs, which are less
vulnerable to high bowser prices because of their higher incomes and
better access to public transport.

The report, entitled Oil Vulnerability in Australian Cities, was
produced by Griffith University's Urban Research Program and
co-authored by Dr Jago Dodson and Dr Neil Sipe. It is believed to be
the first study of its kind in the world to identify oil vulnerability
at the neighbourhood level.

The report comes only a week after the Australian Senate Transport
committee announced an inquiry into the socio-economic impact of
rising oil prices.

"The reason why rising fuel costs will impact on lower socio-economic
groups in the outer suburbs is twofold. First, these households are
already at a greater risk of adverse impacts from any socio-economic
change," Dr Dodson said.

"Secondly, these households are more dependent on cars for travel.
This dependence means residents who rely on cheap petrol to drive to
work or the shops are highly vulnerable to increased fuel costs. This
may be compounded by the lack of alternative modes of transport, such
as public transport, walking or cycling."

Dr Sipe said governments need to start understanding how rising oil
prices will affect Australian suburbs and start planning to limit the
impacts on car dependent neighbourhoods through provision of better
public transport services.

"The humble local suburban bus stop is likely to become a more
important part of community infrastructure as fuel prices increase,
than any cross-harbour, cross-river or cross-city road tunnel," Dr
Sipe said.

The report found Brisbane's outer growth corridors were most
vulnerable to rising petrol prices. These areas included the suburbs
of Beenleigh, Caboolture and Ipswich.

In Sydney, Liverpool, Cabramatta and Penrith fared the worst. In
Melbourne the Brimbank, Whittlesea and Dandenong areas were most
vulnerable.

The full report can be viewed at
http://www.griffith.edu.au/centre/urp/URP_RP6_OilVulnerability_Final.pdf

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dr Jago Dodson 07 3735 6680, 0415 554 889. Dr Neil
Sipe 07 3735 7645, 0439 746 123.