The document summarizes the book "The Life and Death of the Australian Backyard" which examines the disappearance of traditional large backyards in Australian suburbs. It discusses how since the 1990s, new homes now cover most of their lots, leaving little space for backyards. While planning systems don't require this, they do little to prevent it. The loss of backyards raises issues for health, well-being and children's development. It also has ecological impacts since vegetation in backyards helps local climate, drainage and biodiversity. The book presents a quantitative study of this problem and discusses possible remedies.