Oil vulnerability: the effect of non-metropolitan areas and master planned estates in South East Queensland 2001–2006

Abstract

This study quantified and visualised oil vulnerability (OV) across Statistical Local Areas (SLAs) of South East Queensland (SEQ), and its changes between 2001 to 2006, with specific focus on Master Planned Estates (MPEs). A classification chart was developed to categorise different types of OV, and to identify SLAs that showed significant change in their level of OV over the period from 2001 to 2006. Our findings are that non-metropolitan SLAs exhibited significantly higher OV due to: (i) the lack of alternatives to private motor vehicle use; (ii) longer road network distances travelled on average; and (iii) a generally lower socioeconomic status associated with these areas. Metropolitan SLAs had consistently lower OV due to: (i) a shorter average commuting distance; (ii) more comprehensive non-motorised access to public transport; and (iii) a generally higher socioeconomic status. SLAs containing large MPEs also proved to be more vulnerable due to their relatively high automobile dependence, limited non-motorised access to public transportation, and longer average commuting distances.

Keywords:

• oil vulnerability
• automobile dependence
• master planned estates
• journey-to-work

Acknowledgements

This paper was made possible by the University of Queensland's Summer Research Scholarship Program.