The Elephant in the Room
The property podcast for the thinking person.

Episodes

Episode 442: What If Australia's Housing Crisis Isn't About Housing?

Australia's housing crisis is often framed as a housing supply problem: build more homes, increase density, and affordability will improve. But according to urban development expert Ross Elliott, housing affordability in Australia is being shaped by much deeper issues. He argues that Australia's housing crisis is ultimately a city-building challenge, driven by planning, infrastructure, and the way communities are designed.

In this episode, Ross challenges some of the biggest assumptions behind Australian housing policy. Drawing on decades of experience across development, infrastructure, and public policy, he questions whether everyone wants to live near a CBD, explores the role of regional centres, and examines why housing affordability continues to worsen despite years of policy intervention.

Ross also explores what is causing Australia's housing crisis beyond the headlines. He explains how housing supply, infrastructure delivery, and population growth in Australia have become increasingly disconnected. While governments focus on delivering more homes, he argues that thriving communities also require transport, healthcare, education, jobs, and public amenities.

The conversation examines why housing supply isn't keeping pace with demand, despite ambitious housing targets. Ross discusses planning bottlenecks, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory hurdles that slow housing delivery, while questioning whether current policies address the root causes of the problem. He also explains why building more homes alone may not improve housing affordability if broader planning challenges remain unresolved.

From suburban development and regional growth to master-planned communities and emerging employment hubs, Ross offers a fresh perspective on how to solve Australia's housing crisis. Whether you're a property investor, homeowner, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of housing affordability in Australia, this episode provides valuable insights into building better cities—not just more homes.

Episode Highlights

02:07 – The Biggest Myth in Australian City Planning

09:52 – Why Australia Needs More Than Capital Cities

15:19 – The Problem With Building Up Instead of Out

17:45 – Homes First, Infrastructure Later?

19:28 – What Australia's Best Communities Have in Common

22:44 – Are Investors Really to Blame?

27:09 – The Planning Bottleneck Nobody Talks About

34:11 – Running Out of Land? Not So Fast

43:16 – Brisbane's Growth Challenge Is Just Beginning

47:29 – The Hidden Cost of Apartment Living

49:48 – How Dumbo Became One of New York's Best Precincts

51:14 – What Great Cities Can Teach Australia

55:13 – Why the Best Cities Happen by Accident

About the Guest

Ross Elliott is one of Australia's leading voices on urban development, housing policy, and city planning. With almost four decades of experience spanning research, construction, development, infrastructure, and public policy, he has worked at the intersection of the industries that shape how Australian communities are built and governed.

Ross is widely recognised for his contributions to urban policy and place-making, including his role as Chair of Brisbane's Better Suburbs Initiative, where he has helped drive discussions around suburban renewal, community development, and long-term city planning. Throughout his career, he has advised industry and government stakeholders on housing, infrastructure, population growth, and economic development.

His work focuses on understanding how cities evolve and what is required to create communities that are not only affordable but functional, connected, and resilient. Ross brings a rare systems-level perspective to the housing conversation, examining the relationship between planning, infrastructure, jobs, demographics, and housing outcomes.

Connect with Ross

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au

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Chris Bates