Australia doesn’t just have a housing problem. We have a city problem. And it’s about to get a lot worse, according to my guest today, Ross Elliott. 
Everyone talks about housing shortages. Almost no one talks about hospitals, schools and services.
So today, we’re asking the question policymakers avoid – how much infrastructure do our cities actually need for the people we’re adding?
It’s all about capacity - not just the number of people our cities can hold, but whether Australia’s infrastructure and planning systems can keep up. Ross has been writing about this reality for years, and his voice cuts through the assumptions most of us make about growth.
We explore the concentration of growth in major cities, the implications of immigration, and the necessity for strategic decentralisation.
Elliott emphasises the importance of investing in regional cities and learning from successful global examples to create a more balanced urban development strategy.
The discussion also highlights the critical need for government cooperation in planning and infrastructure development to accommodate future population increases effectively.
Takeaways
- Australia has a significant housing and infrastructure problem.
- Most population growth is concentrated in a few major cities.
- Immigration is a key driver of urban growth in Australia.
- Investment in regional cities can alleviate pressure on major urban centers.
- Decentralization strategies must focus on improving infrastructure in smaller cities.
- Learning from successful examples in the U.S. can inform Australian policy.
- Government cooperation is essential for effective urban planning.
- Population growth requires more than just housing; it needs schools and hospitals.
- Current planning systems are not equipped for rapid population growth.
- Long-term strategies are needed to address urban challenges.
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Ross Elliott - strategist and advisor with over 35 years in urban development, infrastructure, and public policy. Subscribe to Ross Elliott's blog here.
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