Why the need for these massive buildings except perhaps to line someones pocket?

Yes I would be happy to live in a higher density environment if it is liveable. Just look at most European cities to see how it's done. Note the absence of these "vertical slums". They have airy apartments with windows on two sides so you have light everywhere and flow through ventilation. Achieved by the simple expedient of having a hollow core/lightwell/central courtyard. They also have plenty of parks nearby, ie 5 minutes walk away. They also have transport and full shops/markets the same distance away. That is liveable. Not the distopian monsters envisioned here.

I recently visited some of the new blocks going up in Abbotsford/Richmond (in Melbourne). They were dingy very small and pocky apartments with no ventilation and minimal natural light. For 2 pissy bedrooms and small living area they wanted $1m! So much for being cheaper! Oh and all the visitors have to pay for commercial parking if they have the temerity to come by car.

dkit

For Gods sake dkit. Do you really believe these compression apartments are designed for true blue Australians? Of course not.