Internal Migration in Victoria, Australia

Salt (The Big Shift, South Yarra: Hardie Grant Books, 2001a, 2003) has used the concept of a 'sponge city' to characterise a small number of large towns in rural Australia that in contrast to most of their counterparts beyond the borders of the state capitals are growing by apparently 'soaking up' migrants from the surrounding rural areas and smaller regional towns. This article subjects the sponge city concept to critical scrutiny. The focus of the study is the State of Victoria. The key characteristics of sponge cities are spelled out in some detail and a number of possible 'candidate cities' in that state identified. Following analysis, one city, Horsham, is singled out for detailed attention. The conclusion of the analysis is that the concept is of only limited utility.