The dynamic history of government settlements at the edge

In this chapter we compare and contrast the important roles that governments, particularly at the federal level, have played in establishing, growing and providing the economic mainstay for settlements in the sparsely settled regions of developed countries. We discuss the evolution of the economies and populations, the changing functions and the important interplay between population and economy for these ‘primary cities’ in the north, with a focus on Anchorage in Alaska and in comparison to Alaskan regional Arctic settlements. In parts we also compare and contrast Anchorage to the three largest cities in the north of Australia – Cairns, Townsville and Darwin to provide international perspectives. At various points in their histories, each has attracted intensive government interventions for stimulating development, to secure their strategic military and nationalistic values and in response to impacts from major natural disasters. The comparison of Anchorage with smaller regional Arctic settlements helps demonstrate there are differing types of government settlements in northern parts of developed nations. The comparison of Anchorage to large government cities in northern Australia demonstrates the similarity in development pathways, issues, barriers and future challenges for policy makers.