Australia's housing crisis is usually framed as a simple supply problem: build more homes, increase density, and affordability will improve. But what if we've been asking the wrong question all along?
In this episode, Ross Elliott joins Veronica and Chris to challenge some of the biggest assumptions underpinning Australian housing policy. From the belief that everyone works in a CBD to the idea that high-density housing is automatically cheaper, Ross argues that many of the planning principles guiding our cities are decades out of date.
Instead of focusing solely on housing supply, he believes we should be asking whether we're creating places where people can actually live, work, and thrive.
Together, they explore why Australia's population growth continues to concentrate in a handful of capital cities, why regional centres have been overlooked, and how decades of planning decisions have contributed to today's affordability challenges. They also unpack the unintended consequences of density-led housing strategies, infrastructure bottlenecks, planning delays, and whether recent government policies will actually increase housing supply or simply drive costs even higher.
This conversation goes beyond property and politics to tackle a bigger question: what should Australian cities look like in the future? Whether you're a homeowner, investor, policymaker, or simply concerned about housing affordability, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the country's most important challenges.
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
Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!
If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!
See you on the inside,
Veronica & Chris
