The degree to which a city can be considered sustainable can
measured through economic factors, e.g. the ability to attract educated
workers. Such facets allow the productivity of a city to be maximised, and are
dependent upon appropriate infrastructure, specifically, an efficient public
transport network. This is due to the fact that notions of agglomeration theory
dictate that industries are more productive/ profitable when clustered, and
therefore see that they are inclined to follow trends of consolidation. In
saying this, Sydney's lack of an efficient public transport network is cause
for concern. By preventing processes of consolidation and, in turn,
agglomeration theory, industry growth will be stunted, or alternatively, have
no option but to spread outwards. Subsequently, negative externalities
associated with this process, including, but not limited to the inability to
attract educated workers, are factors which will prove detrimental to the long
term viability of the city at large.
Wade, M, 2014. Smart cities need good transport to lure wise
workers. The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 April. 19.
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