Abstract: The emergence of gated residential spaces in Australian cities has begun to attract the attention of researchers, policy makers, governments and planners. In this paper I present findings from research within a gated residential estate in south-western Sydney (Macquarie Links Estate). The research is based on data from surveys and interviews with residents within the estate during 2007. In this paper, I am primarily concerned with two broad areas – the desire and need for security, and the formation of community and the mechanism of community title. I will conclude with comments on the exclusive segregatory nature of gated residential developments with reference to some dangers and encouraging signs.