THE QUARTER ACRE BLOCK SYNDROME

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: The end of the mythical quarter-acre block
April 9, 2005
Australians want to live on quarter-acre blocks, and like to drive their cars, Michael Costa, the Roads Minister, said recently. And he berated the assembled urban planners for being fixated on public transport.

When politicians talk up Australians' devotion to the quarter-acre, beware. It is usually a way to deflect blame for urban problems such as air pollution and traffic congestion onto us. It is their excuse to do nothing. If only Australians weren't wedded to the quarter-acre, they imply, politicians could curb suburban sprawl, build rail lines, and reduce air pollution. But darn it, the people rule. .... TO READ 2011MORE CLICK HERE

Is the Australian love affair with the quarter acre block over? ... by PatrickGreene 2011 CLICK HERE

Quarter acre From Wikipedia, 

Poor

In Australian and New Zealand English, a quarter acre is a term for a suburban plot of land. Traditionally, Australians and New Zealanders aspired to own a 3- or 4-bedroom house or bungalow on a section of around a quarter of an acre (about 1,000 square metres), also known locally as the Australian Dream or the New Zealand dream. The land was frequently put to use with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, or lawns for family recreation.

House on a block in Adelaide, South Australia

Demand for quarter-acre blocks were driven by easy access to motor vehicles, allowing for more low-density urban sprawl for blocks of these size. Demand in Australia was also driven by waves of European migrants, who were eager to own homes, and may not have had the opportunity to do so in Europe.

The quarter-acre aspiration has changed in recent decades, with sub-divisions, infill housing, apartments, and townhouses becoming more common in large cities, and nearby lifestyle farming blocks becoming popular. Most "quarter-acre" sections are not exactly a quarter of an acre. With urban growth, properties tend to be smaller with new sub-divisions averaging a half or less of the classic quarter-acre.

Australia's Quarter Acre:

The Story of the Ordinary Suburban Garden

Peter Timms

A spirited defense of the home garden, this fascinating study explains how Australia became the world's first great suburban nation, why Aussies are so passionate about roses and gladioli, how social and economic developments have altered the layouts of front and back gardens, and reasons for the slow decline of the manicured lawn and the productive home vegetable-garden. The designs, plantings, and hidden meanings of the ordinary garden are thoroughly explored, and the book offers unique new perspectives on everything from fruit trees and woodsheds to rotary clotheslines and illuminated Santas at Christmas.