Why Australia Doesn’t Have a Desert City Like Las Vegas or Dubai

When one thinks of iconic desert cities, images of Las Vegas and Dubai come to mind. These cities are famous for their glittering lights, vibrant nightlife, and lavish entertainments. Yet, why doesn’t Australia follow suit and build a similar desert metropolis? Let’s explore the reasons behind this.

Lack of Desirable Features in Australia’s North

Australia’s central region, home to cities like Alice Springs, is arid and devoid of many major features that attract tourists to desert cities. There are no mighty rivers like the Colorado River—the largest river in the Southwestern United States. In Australia, water remains a precious resource, especially in the arid north.

Water Resources are Scarce

In places like Alice Springs, the second-largest town in the Northern Territory, the precious resource is particularly scarce. There is no Hoover Dam to harness the power of flowing water or nearby Rocky Mountains to provide a picturesque backdrop. The landscape consists of flat, arid deserts, making it difficult to justify the resources needed to create a sprawling entertainment city.

Economic and Ecological Challenges

The creation of a desert city would require significant investment and resources, including the infrastructure necessary to transport water to the site. Additionally, such a city would demand a substantial workforce, entertainment options, and gambling facilities. However, the best that Australia can offer in terms of gambling is a shooting range in a family wedding event, as experienced during a visit to the country.

Environmental Considerations

Australia is often referred to as "The Dry Continent," owing to the scarcity of water resources and the arid climate. Water is the essence of life, and its exploitation must be managed sustainably. Building a city like Las Vegas or Dubai would be resource-intensive, and the environmental impact would be significant. Moreover, the need for water and resources would necessitate extensive artificial infrastructure, which could disrupt sensitive ecosystems.

Political and Economic Realities

Creating a desert city such as Las Vegas would require political will and investment. However, the economic and environmental feasibility of such a project is questionable. The cost of establishing water supply systems, constructing large buildings, and maintaining the city on a sustainable basis would be prohibitive. Moreover, extracting water from deep underground reserves, known as artesian bores, can be costly and environmentally damaging.

Alternative Uses of Resources

Instead of investing in a desert city, Australia can focus on utilizing its resources more wisely. For instance, the few locations with water and grass support mining operations that do not require large, wasteful cities nearby. Cities like Broken Hill, Mount Isa, Kalgoorlie, Whyalla, and Port Hedland exist because they are supporting major mining enterprises with large ore bodies.

In conclusion, while Australia shares similarities with the deserts of Las Vegas and Dubai in terms of arid landscapes and potential for development, the practical and sustainable challenges make it unlikely that a similar desert city will be built. The focus on sustainable water management and strategic resource use remains the best path forward for the country.