Road to World Homeless Day 2022: Week 4
Caravan parks and tent cities are overflowing with people who have been left behind by a lack of affordable housing to rent or buy.
In the lead up to World Homeless Day on 10 October, we’re going to highlight issues that have led to our alarming housing shortage – and some steps we could take to help fix it.
Missed opportunities for Affordable housing
We’ve spoken before about the problem with so much of our cities’ residential suburbs being reserved for low-density zoning: mandating minimum lot sizes of 400m2 and banning any housing form except a single-family home. However, this is amplified when it applies to areas that are ideally located to support higher density.
In some parts of Brisbane, we have low-density zoning next to railway stations. Good transit really is pointless if you can’t live near it. Brisbane reportedly has the worst public transport of all major Australian cities, which goes hand in hand with urban sprawl. Is it any wonder when our exclusionary zoning dramatically reduces the number of people who live close enough to take advantage of public transport?
We should be building denser, more affordable housing next to train stations so more people can have the privilege of not needing a car; instead, we build huge carparks for people who have to drive to reach their nearest station.
Low density around rail stations is not only a waste of public transport infrastructure, but also a waste land that would be ideal for affordable housing. Cars are expensive; the freedom to live without that expense could mean a world of difference to a person on a low income.
Upzone close to transit, centres, and parks
YIMBY Qld would like to see upzoning for medium or higher density housing around major public passenger transport, particularly near high-frequency railway stations, busway stations, and CityCat terminals. This would allow more people to take advantage of public transport. It would also create housing choices (including rowhouses and apartments) which are on average more affordable per dwelling to buy or rent.
There should also be specific focus on providing housing for the poorest members of our society close to public transport to unburden them from the costs of car ownership. In addition, ensuring that housing near a desirable amenity like high-frequency transit includes affordable options prevents gentrification.
Efforts to facilitate denser, more affordable housing are happening. For example, California’s Senate Bill 10 went into effect on 1 January 2022. SB10 streamlines the process for cities to upzone up to 10 dwellings per lot in transit rich areas.
We believe it is time for Queensland cities and regions to take similar steps. This is a win-win solution to create affordable housing, optimise use of existing infrastructure, and move away from car-dependency.
