Monday, September 1, 2014

Lake Argyle, city of the future

Boat ride on Lake Argyle



Lake Argyle in the East Kimberley is a beautiful place and taking a boat trip with other tourists was an experience I will never forget. 
The Ord Scheme was finally completed in 1971 and its beauty has to be seen to be believed.  Between 1935 and 1942, drought severely affected the Kimberley pastoral industry and the Ord Scheme came about because of it.

The current population is around 20 humans and thousands of crocodiles.  An architectural firm called Ecoscape thinks it's a great spot for a future city.  They believe a new city on the banks of the lake could sustain a population of 150,000 people and an international airport would bring tourists to one of the 70 islands that could become luxury resorts. 


Artist's impression of new city



But the locals aren't so sure.  Tour operator Greg Smith said part of the attraction is its remoteness. "Finding people who want to be in the northern part of Australia, who can handle the (hot) climate, I think it would be a tough sales pitch, but it's not impossible" he said.  

But nothing will happen.  We don't have politicians with the foresight to make a bold idea like this one work, we will continue to extend our existing towns and cities and leave most of the country empty.

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