Australia and Japan have much in common with respect to the sea, the sea coast and waterfront areas.
1.Both arc island continents - Australia as one mass, Japan as an archipelago.
While connecting the islands of the Japanese archipelago historically and today make sea transport and ports vital to Japan, sea transport and ports are also important elements for Australians. The inhospitable nature of the Australian interior has led to a reliance on sea transport as a connector.
Sea transport and ports also hold a special significance in non-aboriginal Australian history as the means of arrival for the first white convict/settlers and then as the arrival means for European immigration to Australia after Word War ?.
2.As in Japan, the vast majority of the Australian population habitat the coastal fringe of the continent.
3.The majority of urban waterfront redevelopment projects in Australia and Japan are instigated by Government who then seek involvement and investment from the private sector.
4.Over the past two decades, many opportunities have arisen in both countries to enhance the environmental quality of and public access to previously industrial port lands.
5.Both nations are increasingly recognising the invaluable resource of their seacoast and waterfront areas.
There are also a number of variables between Australia and Japan which should be taken into account when comparing or evaluating waterfront developments in the two nations:
1.The massive difference in the population base of the two nations is mirrored in the number and sheer scale of the major Japanese developments.
2.Port authorities in Japan have adopted a broader scope of responsibility for the delivery of human services than is the case in Australia.
