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Australia’s housing policy remains constrained by an outdated vision of how our capital cities function, and this is placing National Housing Accord targets at serious risk. While dwelling approvals have fallen nationally, Australia’s fastest growing councils are building homes for Australia’s future generations
Government planning and investment associated with Housing Accord targets promote high-density inner-city areas, rather than recognising the value of higher quality greenfield development and targeted renewal in established outer suburbs.
Terms like “well-located” are being used as shorthand for proximity to the centre of capital cities. It presupposes most people want to live as close as possible to CBDs. Evidence suggests otherwise that people are living in and moving to Australia’s growth areas.
· Growth areas are home to 5.8 million residents 21% of Australia’s population
· 2.9% annual growth double the annual average growth rate of Australia (1.2%)
· 43% of Australia’s growth in the last 5 years occurred in these areas.
Meanwhile, new infrastructure is being directed disproportionately toward inner-city areas where housing affordability is lowest, entrenching inequity in both opportunity and housing access.
Growth Area developments are left to compete for funding for enabling infrastructure and basic services like sewage, water, and roads. Around a third of developable land in five capital cities is waiting for enabling infrastructure. And in some areas, new estates have been built before essential infrastructure has been delivered.
