Australia’s apparent addiction to high rises
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Broadcast: 06/01/2016
Reporter: Madeleine Morris

These comments are near the end of a ABC television story on short-term rentals in high rise condo buildings. (Click on the link to see the video)

Madeleine Morris :
Professor of Planning Michael Buxton agrees authorities need to urgently deal with legislation governing short stays. But even more importantly, he says, Australia needs to curb its apparent addiction to high rises, which he believes don't create communities, just apartments that are good for little else but short-stay rental.

Michael Buxton:
It's catering to the needs of international investors and big construction companies and building unions and lending authorities and a body of vested interests who are now hooked into the high-rise model. Doesn't necessarily work for us, but it works very well for them.

Professor Buxton states that high rise residental towers don't create communities, just apartments that are good for little else but short-stay rentals.

Well, I think he exaggerates a little. They are also suitable for post-secondary school students and as rental units for people who need somewhere to live for a  year or so.

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