At Michinbury, I turn north into the suburbia of Rooty Hill where dry footpaths beckon. Western
Sydney, meaning places like Rooty Hill, Doonside and such have a terrible reputation with the privileged
localities in the north and east of the city. To a degree, they have a point, especially in nearby
Mt Druitt where some appalling planning decisions were made in the 1970s. Such suburbs routinely
enjoy the worst crime rate, the highest unemployment rate and the least satisfactory public
services. It just ain't fair in my view. Walking through Rooty Hill this day I am given no clue
concerning the social difficulties which might be plaguing the nearby townships. The lawns are mowed,
the gardens and houses nicely maintained, the cars are new and the atmosphere upbeat. The streets
look and ARE respectable. I see no reason why someone wouldn't want to live in such neighbourhoods.