
Starting the Conversation
5/1/2026 | 25m 49sVideo has Closed Captions
Tony dodges state planning policy while Nat dodges being trapped writing a blog.
Tony tries to avoid get sucked into a state planning policy. Nat tries to avoid getting trapped writing a blog.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Utopia is a local public television program presented by WETA

Starting the Conversation
5/1/2026 | 25m 49sVideo has Closed Captions
Tony tries to avoid get sucked into a state planning policy. Nat tries to avoid getting trapped writing a blog.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship-A transformational vision... -Eight and a half billion dollars for roads and ports... -New infrastructure for the 21st century... -It's going to benefit future generations... -There is no future plan for Australia under this government... -Real projects, real money... -Major infrastructure projects right around the country... -Makes decisions for the long term... -We want to spend the money... -...nation building project... -Absolutely shovel ready... -I want to be known as the infrastructure... -This is a Nation Building... -Nation Building.
-From the Nation Building program.
-Nation Building.
-Nation Building.
-Yeah, well that's okay.
And is that it?
-Just some more RSVPs.
-Wow, they never stop.
-You've been invited to attend the Pearson Institute's conference.
It's on The Urban Infrastructure Needs of Western Sydney.
-And where is it?
-Hamilton Island.
-Yeah, I don't think so.
-It's okay.
Rhonda said she'd go.
Also, that meeting with the Coal Producers Council... -Yep.
-They want to know if you prefer an afternoon or evening session.
-Session?
-I think it's at the tennis.
-I don't want to go to the tennis.
-Then where will you have the meeting?
-We won't.
-[ Sighs ] Shall I send these back?
-Yes.
-Hi, Tony.
-Hi, Amy.
-Mail.
-Thanks.
That plant doesn't look healthy.
-How can you tell?
-Well, it's losing its leaves for a start.
-Well, maybe it's Autumn.
-January.
-Right.
Have you watered it?
-Uh, no.
I thought it was plastic until ten minutes ago.
Have you?
-No.
-Well, who waters our plants?
-Shall I check?
-Yeah.
-Mm.
-How's it going?
-Are you looking for the clubhouse?
-No.
Housing Association golf day.
You should come along one year.
-Sure.
-Played with a couple of guys from Auscon.
Property developers.
-I know who Auscon are.
-Yeah.
Top blokes.
-Are they?
-Yeah.
Anyway, we got to chatting.
Here's one for you.
What do you reckon their number one problem is?
-Putting?
-Zoning.
-Really?
Property developers concerned about zoning?
-Yeah, turns out the State Government's made a bit of a blue.
Put in these green wedges.
-How's that a blue?
-Well, it's more red tape.
-I need a color chart.
Do you know what green wedges are?
-I know they're a problem.
-They're a buffer.
To protect land from urban expansion.
-[ Chuckles ] That's one definition.
-No, that's the definition.
-Anyway, they were wondering if we could help them sort this mess out.
-When did it become a mess?
-On the back nine.
-Jim, this is a state issue.
-Yeah, but it's out of control.
It's time to get the conversation started.
-What conversation?
-About the green wedge schmozzle.
-When did it become a schmozzle?
-On the 17th.
-Jim, take my advice.
Walk away.
Tell them -- -This is, uh, that's Ollie.
He's the GM.
-Yep.
-And I've got... Now, where's Finn?
He's here.
Oh, there we go.
There's Finn's number there.
-Jim, I reckon you look after it for now.
-You sure?
-Yeah.
Just in the short term.
-Top blokes.
-Yeah.
-I tell you, Finn can play, too.
-Can he?
-Nat, you know how you said to tell you whenever Rhonda's been to a conference?
-Yes.
-She's been to a conference.
-Shit.
What do you know about it?
-I know it was in Broome.
-Subject matter?
-Something to do with social media engagement.
-Right.
-She'll be back next week.
-Okay.
Thanks for the warning.
-Sounds interesting.
-Seriously?
It's the same thing every time.
She comes back all fired up about social media.
Next thing, I'm writing a blog no one ever reads.
-Have you stopped doing that Daily Diary?
-About six months ago.
-I read the first week.
♪♪♪ -I don't have it.
-Here you go.
That's the updated timeline.
-Oh, right.
♪♪ -Here's the team.
-Rhonda.
-How was the conference?
-Oh, inspirational.
You really should have been there.
-We've been a bit snowed under.
-Highlight?
-Sunset on the Pearl Lugger.
What a cruise.
-Conference highlight?
-Oh, well, it's hard to get to all the sessions, but the one that got me excited was on S.N.P.
-Oh, wow.
-You don't even know what that is.
-Social Network Presence.
-Can I say "wow" now?
-We are doing such excellent work here and it's just not being reflected online.
Look at our Facebook page.
-That's your Facebook page.
-Oh, wow, the Horizontal Falls.
-Ah, amazing.
There we go.
Now, look at the timeline.
-Um, this week the N.B.A.
approved a deal with Energex to provide South East Queensland -- -That's 18 months old.
-And you still wear that top.
-Now look at the number of likes.
-212.
-212 likes for an organization as zeitgeisty as ours?
-Ouch.
-That's not much S.N.P.
-Now look at this woman.
She averages over 11 million YouTube views every week.
And how?
-By giving hair care tips?
-By daily engagement.
-Daily?
-Real S.N.P.
-11 million views.
Impressive young lady.
-You betcha.
-So no to Cirque du Soleil?
-I don't think so.
I'll let the Transport Association know.
Oh, and that cruise ship company?
-Sorry.
Who are they again?
-The Lion King meet and greet.
-Yeah.
I'm not paying for their terminal.
Yeah.
-Tony, I found out about our plants.
-Oh, yeah?
-There was a woman who used to come in after hours, but then she stopped.
-Really?
-Six months ago.
-Well, no wonder the leaves are falling off.
-It's alright.
I'm onto someone else.
-The Indoor Jungle.
-They come highly recommended.
-Creative Office Plant-scaping.
What does that mean?
-They're going to do an audit.
-Am I in trouble?
-I don't think so.
-Okay.
Hey, Jim.
-[ Groans ] -You alright?
-Oh, I just had a quick catch up with Ollie and Finn and a couple of their mates.
You got any Mylanta?
-Yeah, I think so.
-Oh, 13 courses is too many for me.
-Quick catch up?
-Yeah.
Geez, I feel for them.
These other blokes, have a guess what their number one problem is.
-Heartburn.
-Zoning.
These crazy green wedges again.
-When did they become crazy?
-Oh, just before the beef cheek.
-It's not crazy to do something about urban sprawl.
-But we're locking up valuable land.
-Is that what they told you?
-Oh, let me check.
Yep, there it is.
Valuable land.
-And let me guess.
Forcing prices up?
-Yes.
-Punishing our first-home buyers?
-Oh.
You really need to meet these guys.
-And would we, by any chance, be running out of land?
-Yes.
-Jim, that's crap.
-Actually, I think it's Peking Duck.
-That's how these companies operate.
They buy up land on the fringes or in green wedges and then push to get it rezoned so they can make a quick buck.
-No, that's not on here anywhere.
-Let's not get involved with that stuff.
-This is excellent.
We've started a conversation.
-Yep, but we were in the middle of a productive meeting and now we're worrying about social media.
-Darling, wake up and smell the metadata.
-I don't think we can afford to spend the time.
-We can't afford not to.
We have fallen so far behind in terms of stakeholder engagement.
What happened to our Facebook page, our Twitter feed, RSS?
What else?
-Our Daily Diary.
-Daily diary.
What happened?
Your first week was so good.
I feel like if I wasn't here to follow up on all this stuff, you'd all just forget about it.
Well, that attitude ends today.
We need a social network taskforce.
It's time to engage.
-Wow.
-Alright.
Diaries out.
-So that's about it.
-Yep.
-Oh, and seriously, those Auscon guys, you've got them all wrong.
They are top blokes.
-If I was to Google the phrases "Auscon Property Group" and "political donations," what would come up?
-I don't know.
-Alright, let's do it.
-Hey, hey, hey, hey.
There might be some crossover, but they wouldn't be top of the search rankings.
-Let's check.
-Alright.
But they've been very supportive.
-What about this other mob?
-I don't think they'd be connected.
-What's their name?
-I don't think we need to look them up.
The point is, as a favor to me, can you have a chat with them?
-Jim, these are state issues.
-Yeah, with national implications.
Let's at least get the conversation started.
-Jim.
-Just hear them out.
-One meeting, no strings attached.
Why is there a Grand Prix lanyard and five wristbands on your desk?
-For your meeting with Auscon.
-What's wrong with their office?
-You're their guest at the Hot Lap Club.
I think this wristband's for the pit walk.
This one's for the V8 simulator.
-I don't want to go to the Grand Prix.
-But that's where the meeting is.
-Oh, fair dinkum.
-Oh, and can you help me with this?
-What is it?
-Jim wants me to type up his serviettes.
-Yep.
-Are we punching first home buyers?
-No, we're punishing them.
-By punching them?
-No.
-Why are we doing that?
-We're not.
-Good.
Because it's really hard to buy a house.
-Okay.
I bet it is.
-Hey, Tony.
-Hi, Amy.
-Have you met Ethan?
-G'day, Ethan.
-G'day, mate.
We'll take a look at it for you.
-Okay.
Good.
-He's from the Indoor Jungle.
-Is he?
What's he doing with my plant?
-Taking it away.
-Yeah, I can see that.
But why?
-He wants to investigate it.
-No one watered it.
-Well, he's going to replace it.
-I had a perfectly good plant with proven survival skills.
And now it's being taken away for questioning.
-He's going to find something more suitable.
-It suited me.
I mean, six months.
Respect.
-Nat?
Rhonda's here.
-Why?
-For the social media taskforce.
-Shit.
I thought she'd forget.
-She did.
You reminded her.
They're in the conference room.
-Morning, Nat.
Grab a seat.
Perfect timing.
-Uh, I've got a teleconference in half an hour.
-Well, then, let's get cracking.
We used this in Broome.
See that sand?
That's from Cable Beach.
Now, the aim of this taskforce is to increase our S.N.P.
-Social Network Presence.
-Yes, I remember, Hugh.
-On everything.
Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram.
Yelp.
What's the other one I mentioned?
-Vine?
-Vimeo?
-Vimeo?
-For the app.
-For the what?
-N.B.A.
on the go.
-Take us with you in your pocket.
-Rhonda, this is going to take a lot of time and resources.
-That's why we've got this taskforce.
-But what exactly do we get back from this?
-Engagement.
-Clicks.
Hits.
Friends.
What's the other one I said?
-Swipes.
-Rhonda.
-A database of users and stakeholders.
-Can we just stop for a second?
-No, I'm on a roll.
I'm thinking twice daily tweets.
Weekly Facebook posts.
-Daily Diary.
-Yes, please.
Keep everyone updated.
-About what?
-What are you doing today?
-Well, I've got this teleconference.
-Tweet that.
-Commercial in confidence.
-What are you doing after that?
-I'm flying to Adelaide.
-First entry on your blog.
-Could we tweet as well?
-Or Instagram from the plane?
Take a photo of your in-flight meal.
-Oh, here we go.
-Give it a score.
-How does engaging food bloggers serve the infrastructure needs of Australia?
-Let's find out.
We're going viral.
♪♪♪ -The property boom has priced many first-home buyers out... -We have to increase the supply of housing... -The failure of the Australian housing market is creating a divide between older homeowners... -And to have a sensible policy discussion... ♪♪♪ -Morning, Tony.
-Hey, Katie.
-Uh, how was the Grand Prix?
-Loud.
-I saw you in the Pit Straight.
-How?
-There's a photo on our Facebook page, just below Nat's in-flight meal.
She gave it a 7.
-Right.
-And they said you left without these.
-I don't want that stuff.
-Can we give it to the office?
-Sure.
-Morning, Tony.
-Hey, Amy.
-What do you think?
-Fine.
Yeah.
Ethan.
-Have you kept philodendrons before?
-We used to have guinea pigs.
Yeah.
No, we have not.
-Pretty straightforward.
Leaves need to be kept free of dust.
Make sure she doesn't get wet feet.
I'll keep an eye on moisture levels, pH, and nutrients.
And just remember to rotate the pot, obviously.
-Rotate?
-For even light.
So every couple of days, 90 degrees.
I've left you a chart there.
Tick it off.
Of course, any problems, just ring that number.
Now that's a 24-hour line.
-Just for this plant?
No?
All of them?
Yeah.
Great.
Thank you.
Excellent.
Hotlines?
pH?
What was wrong with my old plant?
-Ethan said it was stressed.
-What?
Now I'm stressed.
-Where should I stick your chart?
-Is Ethan still here?
-I'll stick it up there.
-Hugh, what are you up to at the moment?
-Uh, the Bruce Highway upgrade.
-Oh, good.
Are you working on access schedule?
-Uh, no, I'm working on a tweet.
Do you want to hear it?
After the taskforce meeting?
No?
-There you are.
-Hey, Jim.
-This is new.
-Yeah, yeah.
They're new.
-What happened to the old one?
-Oh, they're on stress leave.
-[ Exhales ] Hey.
Interesting article in the Fin this morning.
-Was there?
-Land crisis.
-Article or opinion piece?
-What's the difference?
-Facts.
-Well, this bloke's an expert.
-He heads up a housing industry group.
-So he knows what he's talking about.
-Sometimes I can't work you out.
This is how they operate.
Opinion pieces, statements from industry experts, long lunches.
Can't you see what they're doing?
-Getting the conversation started.
-It's not a conversation.
It's a campaign so your golfing buddies can make money from yet another rezoning of yet another poorly resourced housing estate.
-It's a fully integrated, staged community.
-What?
-More than just an address.
It's a complete lifestyle experience.
-They've already got marketing materials?
-It's a mock up just for you.
Me?
-I've skipped a step, haven't I?
I said you'd head out there.
-Jim.
One visit.
As a favor.
[ Bird squawking ] -It's a pretty nice spot.
-For a farm.
It's a 90-minute drive from the city.
-But it didn't take us long.
-Yeah, that's because we came in that.
-Beautiful spot, isn't it?
-Yeah.
-Can I just ask, where are the lakes?
-What lakes?
-This place is called Crystal lakes.
-Oh.
It's not Highland Meadows?
-No, no.
You flew us over the Highland Meadows site.
-Did I?
-Oh, I thought that was Willow Ridge.
-No.
-Right.
I'll make a call.
-Okay.
♪♪♪ -I didn't understand your point.
-Who are we supposed to be engaging with?
-Our stakeholders.
-What does that mean, though?
-What do you think it means?
-The federal government, who pay $5 billion for a project, I call them a stakeholder.
-Yes.
-Construction firms, financial institutions, expert consultants -- stakeholders.
-Tick.
-Some cranky retiree who suddenly discovered Facebook, I call him a pest.
-We can't afford to ignore anyone.
-We can.
-No.
We need to inform, engage, consult.
What's the other one?
-Collaborate.
-Yes.
With all of our stakeholders.
-In order to build what?
-Engagement.
Honestly, when is it going to sink in?
-It's taking a while.
-There are just so many distractions in this office.
-I know, darling, this is why I'm here.
This is what I do.
-Are we ready to go?
-Yeah.
Let's go.
-Yeah.
This is the right place.
We're putting a lake in.
-Lakes.
-What?
-Crystal Lakes.
-I'll call them back.
-No, it's fine, it's fine.
So we're talking, what, a couple of thousand houses?
-Four to six.
-Thought it was two?
-Initially.
We have to get the rezoning sorted first.
Without that, this place is just gonna, you know.
-Stay like it is.
-Exactly.
-Can I ask you about infrastructure?
-Absolutely.
-And can I ask about the lake?
-What?
-Just for a tweet.
-Yeah.
Hang on.
What sort of facilities are we thinking of?
-Oh, this is a fully integrated, staged community.
-So schools?
-Well, down the track.
-Medical facilities?
-Further down the track.
-Transport?
-Definitely.
-Public transport?
-Down the track.
-Do you mind if I get a photo for our Facebook page?
-Sure.
-Tony, do you want to be in it?
-No.
-Do you mind?
-Sure.
[ Camera shutter clicks ] -Did you see that?
-No.
What is it?
-Interest.
-Oh, wow.
-Okay, we've just got the cost reports from the construction team.
-So, progress continues.
-N.B.A.
Takes Another Step.
-More Milestones.
-Why are you talking like that?
-This afternoon's tweet.
-Hashtag meeting.
-Can we just have a look at these figures?
We've got a lot to get through.
-Ah!
That's it.
Plenty on the agenda.
-Oh, that's great.
Yep.
-I think we need to separate the actual project costings from the remediation works.
-Do you mind if I take a photo?
-What for?
-Our Instagram account.
-Why don't we have a meeting first?
-Then Instagram?
Yep.
♪♪♪ -Hi, Tony.
-Hi, Amy.
Ethan.
-G'day, mate.
-Is everything alright?
-We're getting there.
pH is right.
-Is it a little chilly in here?
-We've had to turn the heating down.
-Because?
-Of the new plants.
-We need them to acclimatize.
-They're not climbing Everest, are they?
Acclimatize... -Better check the others.
-Yep.
Oh, good that the pH is... It's freezing in here.
-Shall I get you a blanket?
-No.
Turn the heating up.
-Oh, I can't.
-Why not?
-Oh, don't forget, tomorrow's Wednesday.
-So?
Rotate the plants.
-G'day.
-Jim.
-How'd you go?
Exciting project, isn't it?
-If you're an investor.
-Wait till they get the lake in.
-Yeah, well, we'll see.
-Another article about land shortages today.
-Really?
-And not from the Property Council.
-Who was it?
-Some guy from Urban Taskforce Australia.
-It's another industry group.
-Yeah, made some good points about freeing up land for our first-home buyers.
-Please.
-Young families, pensioners.
-They're just naming groups that sound good.
-Return veterans, first responders.
-What is he, American?
-Yeah.
-Seriously, this has got nothing to do with us.
-But if we could just lend a bit of weight to the argument.
-What argument?
-Against the wedges.
-We're not against them.
-Well, we're not for them.
-Yes.
-Yes, we're not?
Or no, we are?
-No, we're -- Yes, we're -- Jim, somebody's got to do something about infrastructure and all this urban sprawl.
-Hang on.
Let's at least get the conversation started.
-I just did.
-Great.
I'll give Ollie a call.
-What?
-One more meeting.
In the meantime, read that.
There's some good gear in there.
♪♪ -Did anyone see that post from Larry51?
-Yes.
-No.
-Yeah, I think he's a retired urban planner.
-Oh, that explains it.
-Can you ping that to me?
-Yep.
-Oh, Nat, did you see the Treasurer's following us now?
-No.
Oh, is this Facebook?
-Twitter.
-But we've linked the two accounts.
-Why is the Treasurer following us?
-'Cause we're following him.
-Why are we following the Treasurer?
-To build S.N.P.
Social Network -- -I know what it is.
-Do you want us to unfollow him?
-No.
Maybe.
Would he know?
-Probably.
-We could block him.
-We could D.M.
his Chief of Staff.
-Seriously, we have so much to get on with today.
[ Camera shutter clicks ] -Ethan says we need to cut down on UV.
-Katie, I want the heating turned on.
-Ethan said 19's the limit.
-Put it up.
-We're starting to get new growth.
-I don't care.
-Amy's aspidistra is about to flower.
-I want it on now.
-Oh, Tony, about your meeting with the Property Council.
-What meeting?
-The one Jim organized.
It's 6:15 for 7:00.
-Why so early?
-No, 7:00 p.m.
at night.
That's when the game is.
-Okay, I'm not going to a game.
-So just the President's dinner?
-I'm not going to anything.
I'll meet them around the corner during the day.
-Okay.
-Houses are getting more expensive... -Favoritism in the rezoning... -Prices continue to skyrocket.
-Build, build, build.
-If that's the nature of the beast, then how do we change the beast?
-Oh, hey.
Did you want to see these?
-What are they?
-Facebook comments.
-No.
Why would I want to see Facebook comments?
-Oh, it's just that I posted an update on the Bruce Highway upgrade and it got a great reaction.
-Really?
Lot of positive comments?
-No.
Mostly negative.
-You said "great."
-As in a lot.
In terms of traffic.
S.N.P.
We've got a whole lot of new threads.
-About a road upgrade?
-More about the rainforest.
Did you want to take a look?
-No.
Just give me the broad thrust.
-They had a lot of concerns.
Criticisms.
We did get a few thumbs up, a couple of supportive emojis.
-You know what, I don't care.
It's getting built.
Let's all get on with our jobs.
-[ Inhales sharply ] -Hugh?
-Yep?
-I can hear you.
-I didn't say anything.
-No.
Your breathing.
-I need to breathe.
-You're breathing in sharply.
-Sorry.
-[ Inhales sharply ] -Okay.
Seriously, what is it?
-There are just so many negative comments.
-About a two kilometer dual carriageway extension?
Who has a problem with that?
-Green groups mainly.
I think the food bloggers got them onto us.
-Let me see.
-Careful.
-We've done the impact statement.
How could anyone possibly... Oh, that's bullshit.
Hang on.
Is that directed at me?
-They call everyone Nazis.
♪♪♪ -Some wild foraged herbs.
Minus 190 degrees, using liquid nitrogen.
As they freeze... ♪♪♪ It's a Cucumber sorbet.
-Ah, outstanding.
-Beautiful.
Thank you.
-Please enjoy.
Bon appétit.
-Amazing.
Jim.
-You said around the corner.
-So, Tony, you were saying?
-Oh, yeah.
Well, essentially, it's a state government issue.
Yeah.
Really one for the Planning Minister.
-Yeah.
Of course.
Your hands are tied.
Our hands are tied.
-Can't do anything about that.
-Unless... -Unless what, Ollie?
-You know, I just had a thought.
-Oh, I like your thinking.
-You haven't heard it yet.
-This is just off the top of my head.
Tell me if I'm overstepping the mark.
-You're not.
-Uh, I wonder whether you, the N.B.A., would be able to start the conversation regarding this whole green wedges fiasco.
-Not sure it's a fiasco.
-Just bring a bit of common sense to the debate.
-Yeah.
-What else were you thinking?
-Uh, yeah, perhaps mention the pressures facing our first-home buyers.
-Yeah.
And you were saying something else.
-Was I?
-Yeah.
Lack of land?
-Ah, yes.
Yeah.
Draw attention to the lack of land for housing.
It's a crisis.
-Yeah, makes a lot of sense to me.
-Is that all I'm saying?
-Pretty much.
Well said.
Bon appétit.
-Hey.
-Yes.
-Environmental vandalism?
-Yeah, that's across all the threads.
-Sorry.
Which one's Goebbels again?
-Nazi.
-I know he's a Nazi.
-Really great reaction.
-Hugh.
A tweet has just been sent likening me to a Nazi war criminal.
How is that great?
-We're over 15,000 followers.
-15,000?
15,000 followers, everyone.
Well done.
[ Clapping ] -We've taken every step to protect that rainforest.
It's not even a rainforest.
It's shitty scrub.
But still, we bent over backwards to keep people happy.
-I don't think these people are happy.
-Groundwater contamination?
-Is that how you spell Chernobyl?
-Okay, time for a reality check.
-I think you should just let it go.
-No, I'm going to engage with a few of our stakeholders.
-You're kidding me?
-Apparently, they're not getting enough sunlight.
-That's 'cause he put the tinted windows on the other day.
-It's a balancing act, Tony.
-Balancing?
He's given us plants with a vitamin D deficiency.
-It's only for a couple of days, just till the pH stabilizes.
-If Jim calls today, can you tell him I'm not in?
-Here he is.
-Hey.
-Hey.
Thanks for doing that yesterday.
-Oh, yeah.
Fine.
Yeah.
-Yeah.
I wanted to give you this.
-I don't want Grange.
-You said you liked it.
-Who doesn't?
-And they got Shannon to sign his cookbook for you.
-That's nice.
-So, what do you reckon?
Can we help them out?
-How?
-A bit of pressure on the states.
A few smoke signals.
-Suggesting what?
-That we put an end to this green wedge catastrophe.
-No.
-Can I tell him the N.B.A.
's on-side?
-No.
-Broadly supportive?
-No.
-You're not much of a conversationalist.
-It's been reposted over 10,000 times, and it's trending.
-Is that good?
-It's great.
-For me?
-Oh.
-What's happening?
-Nat's post has gone viral.
-Damn it.
I've been on the Twitter feed.
-They're still using that old photo of you.
-Oh, here we go.
Hashtag "N.B.A.
jackboot."
-Do you think I was maybe a bit forceful?
-No.
They deserved to be slammed.
-Well, I don't think I slammed them.
-Oh, you torched them.
-I didn't mean to torch anyone.
-Is this about Nat's takedown?
-Yeah.
You gave it to the haters.
-Look, I think we should delete my posts.
-Which one?
The "anti-development dickheads"?
-Or the "ill informed flat-earthers"?
-Both.
Where's Ronda?
-Lord Howe Island.
Superannuation seminar.
I was supposed to tell you.
Sorry.
-Oh.
We're trending.
-[ Nat sighs heavily ] -We're definitely trending.
[ Clapping ] We're trending.
-Can you cancel my meeting this morning?
I've got to jump on this.
♪♪ -Okay.
-How'd they take it?
-Get ready for this.
If we can't help them... -They're going to walk away.
-Did they ring you, too?
-No.
-It gets worse.
They may have to... -Take their investment elsewhere.
-Exactly.
Wow, we're in a pickle now.
-Alright, Jim, here's what we do.
-Kill the green wedges?
-They really want to sort this out?
Start the conversation?
-Yes, sir.
-Alright.
I organize a big policy roundtable.
Get input from all sides.
-Developers?
-Of course.
-Property Council?
-Same side.
-Is it?
-Yep.
-Housing Industry Association?
-Still the same side.
-Hey, did you read their opinion piece yesterday?
-I mean, get all the players inside the tent.
Government, planning bodies, think tanks, environmental experts.
-Getting crowded.
-Urban planners.
-Big tent.
More of a marquee.
-Yeah, whatever.
-Hey, did you go to Cirque du Soleil?
-Have a genuine conversation.
-Yeah, but what if some of them want green wedges?
-They might.
Have a proper debate about urban density, urban sprawl, and the consequences for infrastructure.
That's my offer.
Put it to them.
-At lunch?
-You choose.
-Nat.
You know how you don't like bad news before 11:00?
Shall we come back at 11:00?
-Tell me now.
-We think you're being trolled.
-Hugh, did you know I'm being trolled?
-Yeah.
-Why are you smiling?
-We've hit 20,000 followers.
-20,000, everyone.
[ Clapping ] -Do we know who any of them are?
-We think one of them could be the Queensland Treasurer.
-You know what?
Let's just shut our social media down.
Pull the plug for a few days.
-During a rage cycle?
-A what?
-Let the threads play out.
-Nat, I've got someone from ABC Local Radio about your Facebook feud.
-Oh, that's great.
-How is that great?
-They'd have a stack of followers.
They'll link us.
-Shall I cancel today's meetings, too?
-Yes.
-Oh, no.
-Katie, is there a weird smell in my office?
-Yes.
-Because?
-Because we had to fertilize the plants.
It's their growth season.
-What are we using?
-It's made from fish.
-Where's Amy?
-Hiding.
-I want my old plants back.
The ones we didn't have to rotate.
-Do I call the hotline?
-Yes.
Good idea.
♪♪♪ ♪♪ [ Knock on door ] -G'day.
-Hey, Jim.
-[ Groans ] Is this thing alright?
-Yeah.
We're not sure.
-We missed you this morning.
-What was this morning?
-Property Institute business breakfast.
-Oh.
-Gee, that guy Sebastian can sing.
-Did you raise my idea about the policy roundtable?
-Yeah.
Not so keen.
-Really?
-I mentioned urban density once.
-And?
-Room went cold.
-I thought they wanted to start the conversation.
-Yeah, they feel they might come at this another way.
You're right.
It's a state issue.
-Sure.
-Yeah.
They want me to set up a meeting with the Planning Minister.
-Makes sense.
What's in the bag?
-Uh, it's a '96, I think.
-Yeah.
-Oh, '97.
♪♪ -This is terrible.
-Everyone gets trolled.
You're getting such good traction.
-Have you seen the things they're calling me?
-Goebbels wasn't the worst Nazi.
-Rhonda!
-This is S.N.P.
-Okay.
Two weeks ago, we were a productive, focused unit.
And now, suddenly, half my office is off moderating forums or posting photos of their lunch while I'm being cyber bullied.
-But with 52,000 followers.
-Are we up to 50?
-This morning.
-50,000, everyone.
Whoo!
[ Clapping ] -Well done.
-Caught up with those cruise ship people.
-At the Lion King?
-Yeah.
During interval.
You know what their number one problem is?
-Terminals?
Bingo.
♪♪♪ ♪♪ -[ Exhales sharply ] -Hugh?
-Yep?
-You're still breathing.
-I need to breathe.
[ Exhales sharply ] -Who am I now?
-Pol pot.
Is that better?
-He's not a Nazi.
♪♪ I don't know why they're calling you Goering.
He was Luftwaffe.
Ah, Hess was a Nazi.
♪♪ -And you definitely haven't been smoking?
-No, no, I don't smoke.
-It's just took a sample back to the lab.
-You've got a lab?
-Aluminum chlorohydrate, propylene, zirconium tetrachlorohydrex.
-Wow.
-They're propellants.
-What?
-I guess they could have come from the air conditioning ducts.
-Propellants?
-I'll just check the others.
-Okay.
-Keep rotating.
-Yep.
♪♪♪ Oh, shit.
Katie!
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