New data released by the Schrinner Council today has revealed more than 72,000 additional homes have been created in Brisbane over the past decade.
The data, captured through new rate accounts, has been published in a new Housing Tracker website, demonstrating progress towards of the Schrinner Council’s tall-over-sprawl housing strategy.
Key insights from the Housing Tracker include:
• 72,029 additional homes created since 31 December 2016
• This includes 48,817 Brisbane homes and lots approved by Council since 2021.
Most of the 48,817 homes approved by Council are multi-unit homes like apartments and townhouses, with a large majority of free-standing homes approved through private certification.
More than 5,000 homes are also estimated to have been approved through Queensland Government pathways.
A new interactive heat map also shows where new homes have been concentrated across Brisbane, highlighting how growth is being encouraged in areas well-serviced by transport and jobs rather than suburban sprawl.
The Housing Tracker has been released as the Schrinner Council progresses a significant number of housing policies in today’s Council meeting, unlocking more homes in the right locations.
These include:
• A review of low-medium density residential (LMR) areas, which represents around 14 per cent of the city’s residential areas
o The proposed changes could create up to 6,000 new homes by 2032, sparking the construction of more townhouses, units, apartments and row houses in locations close to public transport, shopping centres and other services.
o The package will now be sent to the State Government, requesting approval to adopt into City Plan.
• Relaxing car parking rates for multiple dwelling developments across the city, with a focus on areas located close to high-frequency public transport
o Industry sources recently estimated meeting typical minimum car parking requirements for Brisbane apartment buildings could cost between $62,000 and $140,000.
o The changes will go live in City Plan from this Friday, 12 June.
• The Mount Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct plan.
o After undergoing community consultation, several changes have been made to the final plan including:
A reduction from 12 to 10 storeys on the centre zoned land bounded by Rise Street, Gordon Parade, Logan Road and Nursery Road.
A reduction from 8 to 5 storeys on Springwood, Lauder and Selborne Streets, as well as Lauder, Selborne and Raffles Street (southern side) and Creek Road.
A reduction from 10 to 8 storeys on the centre zoned land where fronting Tenby Street.
o The Precinct Plan will now be sent to the State Government, requesting their approval to adopt into City Plan.
• Cannon Hill Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct plan
o A new suburban renewal precinct that encompasses the Cannon Hill shopping centres and Southgate Corporate Park – a major transport, retail and employment hub
o Residents are invited to share what they would like to see as part of the future precinct from Wednesday 10 June.
o This will inform a draft plan which will be released for public consultation early next year.
• Alderley Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct plan
o The Plan focuses on the South Pine Road corridor and Alderley railway station
o The draft Plan has been prepared for community consultation, which will commence on July 13. Feedback will be used to inform the final Plan, to be released later this year.
The Schrinner Council continues to back housing initiatives for our most vulnerable residents by providing:
• Around $3 million in relief provided to community housing providers through charge waivers.
• 1,589 community housing homes in Brisbane, created through Brisbane Housing Company
• A further 210 community housing homes in the pipeline over the next 18 months
• Investing more than $7 million into the Pathways Out Of Homelessness program since its establishment in 2019.
96 per cent of all homes are built by the private sector and the Schrinner Council’s proposed changes are about boosting supply to help stabilise housing prices and rents.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, so we need all levels of government working together to make sure we’re building enough homes for the future.
“We’re taking a sensible approach that allows more housing where it makes sense, while protecting the lifestyle and bushland that people love about Brisbane.
“Some people are arguing that rent freezes, new taxes and extra rules for builders are the answer to the housing crisis, but the reality is it’s not that simple.
“Policies like these can actually make it harder by driving up costs and putting even more pressure on housing supply.
“If we want younger generations to have a fair shot at owning a home, we need to be prepared to do things differently.
“House prices and rents won’t come down unless we increase housing supply.
“These changes will help reduce some of the costs involved in building new homes and create more housing opportunities for young people, first-home buyers and downsizers in established suburbs.
“The goal is simple – make it easier to build more homes, more quickly, so Brisbane residents have more housing choices.”
Quotes attributable to Kirsty Chessher-Brown, CEO of UDIA Queensland
“Brisbane is a growing city, and the pace of growth is showing no signs of stopping.
“We support these important initiatives and amendments, which demonstrates Council’s commitment to boosting supply – increasing the number of homes in areas with the infrastructure and amenity already in place to support that growth.
“Council have shown a willingness to understand the unique challenges facing the industry and community as together we grapple with a housing crisis, amidst rising construction costs and skilled labour shortages.
“We’ll continue to work with Council to ensure no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of homes and jobs for Brisbane.”
Quotes attributable to Ross Elliott, Director Suburban Futures
“These changes allow for a mix of housing styles, in a variety of locations, to suit different household needs and budgets.
“No city freezes time by locking in land uses and zonings forever – we are a very different city with a different population and different needs to the Brisbane of even just 50 years ago. Some of these legacy land uses now being changed are practically that old. Some are even older.
“In terms of suburban renewal precincts, the changes allow for not just more people to live closer to traditional village settings, but they open the way for more local places to work, shop, or attend to their social infrastructure needs like health or education without having to factor in lengthy cross-town trips.
“This will also take time. A planning change today is about what may happen many years from now. James Street New Farm, for example, has taken over 30 years to evolve into what it is now. The same will be true of many suburban renewal precincts – but better suburbs tomorrow means getting the settings right today.”
