Why doesn't Australia build desert cities like the US?

Building cities in the desert is a complex and challenging task that requires a significant amount of resources and planning. While the United States has several successful desert cities, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, Australia has taken a different approach to its desert regions.

One reason Australia doesn't build desert cities like the US is due to its unique environment and geography. Much of Australia's desert region is located in remote and isolated areas, which can make it difficult and expensive to build infrastructure and provide services such as water, electricity, and transportation. Additionally, much of the Australian desert is made up of fragile ecosystems that are susceptible to damage from development.

Another reason is that Australia has chosen to focus on developing its coastal cities, where the majority of the population lives. This has led to significant investment in urban infrastructure and amenities in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Additionally, Australia has prioritized protecting its natural environment and has implemented strict regulations on development in ecologically sensitive areas.

While building desert cities in Australia may not be a viable option, there are efforts underway to develop sustainable communities and tourism infrastructure in the desert regions. These initiatives focus on low-impact development, conservation, and preservation of indigenous cultures.

There are a few reasons why Australia doesn't build desert cities like the US.

• Water: Australia is a very dry country, with much of the interior receiving less than 250mm of rain per year. This makes it difficult to support large populations in the desert, as there is not enough water for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
• Distance: The Australian desert is vast and sparsely populated. This makes it difficult to build and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and power lines. It also makes it difficult to attract people to live in the desert, as they would be far away from family and friends.
• Economy: The Australian economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and mining. These industries are concentrated in the coastal regions, where there is more water and a more temperate climate. This makes it more economic to build cities in the coastal regions, as there is already a strong economic base.

There are a few exceptions to this trend. For example, the city of Alice Springs is located in the heart of the Australian desert. However, Alice Springs is a small city with a population of only about 25,000 people. It is also located near a major water source, the Todd River.

It is unlikely that Australia will see the development of large desert cities in the future. The challenges of water, distance, and economy are simply too great.