The Australian metropolis: A planning history by Stephen Hamnett and Robert Freestone (editors)

Abstract

The title of this ambitious book consists of four parts and all warrant further discussion. While their understanding of history is clear, the authors’ cautious view of planning emerges slowly, or is it development? The key word “metropolis” is not defined apart from reference to managing the “larger cities”. Thus this review will deal with Australian city development. If we assume that history requires both Hindsight and Insight, then planning surely adds Foresight to these?