Today I’m joined by Ross Elli, a respected urban thinker and commentator, and we discuss something most politicians and planners are ignoring: the danger of concentrating 70% of Australia’s population into just eight capital cities, and doing it without a real plan.

We explore the challenges of infrastructure, the concept of the missing middle in housing, and the need for a national settlement strategy to address the growing population and its impact on quality of life.

 

Whether you're a property investor, policymaker, or simply someone sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic wondering where it all went wrong, this episode of the Michael Yardney Podcast is going to challenge the way you think about growth, planning, and the future of our cities.

 

Takeaways 

·         Australia's population growth is concentrated in a few major cities.

·         High-density living does not necessarily reduce traffic congestion.

·         There is a significant gap in housing supply and demand.

·         The concept of the 'missing middle' in housing is contentious.

·         Infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth.

·         Regional centers can offer a better quality of life than major cities.

·         Government policies need to address urban planning holistically.

·         Decentralization strategies have not been effectively implemented in Australia.

·         Community opposition often hinders new housing developments.

·         A national settlement strategy is essential for sustainable growth.

 

Chapters 

 

00:00 The Urban Dilemma: Population Growth and Infrastructure

07:31 The Myths of Density and Urban Planning

12:38 The Missing Middle: Densification Challenges

17:55 Regional Opportunities: Rethinking Settlement Strategies

23:08 Decentralization: Lessons from the Past

28:18 Future Visions: A Balanced Australia

 

Links and Resources:

 

Answer this week’s trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

·         Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing. Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What’s ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

 

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us.

 

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here.

 

Ross Elliott –  Urban Development Thought Leader.

https://www.rosselliott.com.au/

 

Subscribe to Ross Elliott's blog here.

https://thefingeronthepulse.blogspot.com/

 

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for  Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.