The Now Proposition: Exploring Growth and Availability of Housing Supply

Housing supply and affordability is a leading policy challenge.

Frequent media reports talk about the problem while unprecedented focus from all levels of Government has set in motion generational reform and significant investment. Yet more people are unable to afford their housing, are experiencing insecurity of tenure, and are currently or imminently facing homelessness.

This discussion will hear from an expert panel about what we need to focus on now or soon to address current needs.

What are we doing now that is helping?
What do we need to add or expand?
What role can new technologies play as we strive to address needs now while building a healthy housing system for the future?

Speakers:

Julie Saunders, Urbis
Julie is a Director at Urbis, and an urban planner with over 25 years of experience working in diverse roles around the country, with key involvement across all levels of government, the not-for-profit sector, and the private sector. She has worked across many of the latest housing and planning reforms here in Queensland and nationally. Julie is the current Chair of the Queensland Housing Supply Expert Panel, Chair of the Queensland Chapter of Learning Environments Australasia, and Chair of Bric Housing (a registered CHP, based in Queensland).

Dr Michael Fotheringham, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
As AHURI Managing Director, Michael is responsible for setting the national housing research agenda and curating policy evidence on housing, homelessness, and urban issues. Michael is a member of the National Council of National Shelter and serves on a variety of expert advisory panels, including the Australian Government’s Urban Policy Forum, the Queensland Housing Supply Expert Panel, the Greater Cities Commission Peak Reference Group, and various other advisory forums.

Professor Mathew Aitchison, Building 4.0 CRC
Mathew is CEO of Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and a Professor of Architecture at Monash University. Building 4.0 CRC is an industry-led research initiative co-funded by the Australian Government. Its work is focused on building better, smarter, safer, faster, and more sustainably, particularly in housing. Before taking up the role of CEO, Mathew led the establishment of Monash University’s Future Building Initiative and has led many other collaborative research projects exploring the future of building.

Heather Browne, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ)
Heather has over 30 years of experience in the property and construction industry and currently leads EDQ’s Business Development team. She holds a degree in Civil Engineering and has delivered many major projects in infrastructure and housing. She has implemented innovative, affordable housing models across various sectors, including the retirement industry, and spearheaded the development of mixed-tenure affordable housing buildings, fostering vibrant communities.