Like other Australian cities, greater Brisbane’s population is rapidly increasing. By 2041 Brisbane’s population is predicted to increase by 55%. This will cause an inevitable increase in demand on resources and will require an increase in density. Density increases will be most noticeable in urban locations and along transport corridors, but the suburbs will also need to find ways to deal with increasing population and density.

Current policy settings for the suburbs do not equip us to manage the pressure for growth projected over the next 20 years. The structures for growth must be designed. Without design-led solutions, market pressures will drive an increase in density at the expense of amenity and character in our suburbs.

It is not sustainable for a city to only grow upwards and outwards. Cities (in particular, their suburbs) need a variety of housing options that cater to all ages, family circumstances, lifestyles and budgets. The kinds of solutions that deal with these issues also assist with issues like housing (and rental) affordability and aging in place.

Simply stating what will no longer be approved does not address the serious issues we face. Providing solutions, based on good urban design principles and proven out by successful pilot projects, is the next urgent step in the process to finding solutions that have the capacity to improve our cities. Continuing to do what we are currently doing is not enough.

Download the research document here.