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Brisbane is growing, both in population and prominence, as one of Australia’s most dynamic cities. With this growth comes the challenge of ensuring that housing remains affordable, particularly in the inner city.

In response, the Brisbane City Council has proposed a new citywide amendment known as the Inner-City Affordability Initiative. This plan aims to balance development pressures with the need to maintain access to affordable housing options within the city centre.

Background and need for the amendment

As Brisbane continues to evolve, its urban core is increasingly attractive to a wide range of residents – from young professionals and students to families and retirees. As demand for inner-city living increases, so too do property prices and rent. Many long-term residents are being priced out of these neighbourhoods, while essential workers face challenges living near their places of employment.

The Inner-City Affordability Initiative aims to address this growing disparity by implementing strategies to enhance housing diversity and affordability. The amendment aligns with broader goals of sustainable growth, liveability, and economic inclusiveness outlined in Brisbane’s City Plan and South-East Queensland Regional Plan 2041.

Key features of the initiative

1. Incentivising affordable housing developments

Developers will be encouraged to incorporate affordable housing units into new projects through a system of planning incentives. These could include relaxed height restrictions, expedited approval processes, or reduced infrastructure charges for projects that meet affordable housing benchmarks. This will help create mixed-use and mixed-income communities where affordable housing is integrated into the broader urban landscape.

2. Increasing housing supply

The initiative focuses on increasing the supply of affordable units by encouraging higher-density developments in key growth areas. By rezoning select areas within the inner city to allow for medium-to-high density housing, the amendment will help meet the growing demand while curbing price inflation. These areas include neighbourhoods with access to public transport, job hubs, and essential services, ensuring that affordability is paired with accessibility.

3. Build-to-Rent schemes

A key component of the initiative is the promotion of ‘build-to-rent’ (BTR) schemes. These developments, owned by institutional investors rather than individual landlords, offer long-term rental accommodation with capped rent increases. BTR projects aim to provide greater stability and affordability for tenants while maintaining high-quality living standards. This model has been successful in other global cities like New York and London, and Brisbane is poised to benefit from this proven approach to urban affordability.

4. Targeting Key Worker Housing

Ensuring that essential workers such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and emergency service personnel, can afford to live in the inner city is a priority of the initiative. Key worker housing programs will offer dedicated rental units or ownership options within new developments at below-market rates for those who meet eligibility criteria. This approach strengthens the city’s social fabric by allowing crucial members of the workforce to remain close to their workplaces.

5. Sustainability and urban design

The Inner-City Affordability Initiative also emphasises environmentally sustainable development. New affordable housing projects will be required to adhere to green building standards, reducing their environmental impact and creating healthier living spaces for residents. Thoughtful urban design is also prioritised, with developments encouraged to incorporate open spaces, communal areas, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes to foster community connection and liveability.

6.Partnerships and funding mechanisms.

To bring this vision to life, the amendment proposes a partnership model between government, private developers, and non-profit housing organisations. Collaborative funding mechanisms, including potential state and federal support, will be crucial in achieving the initiative’s goals. Additionally, the plan explores options for direct public investment in affordable housing developments, particularly in high-demand areas.

Community impact and consultation

The Inner-City Affordability Initiative is not just a top-down approach – it is a proposal that invites feedback from the community, developers, and stakeholders. A public consultation period has been initiated, allowing residents and business owners to provide input on the proposed changes. The goal is to ensure that the final amendment reflects the needs and aspirations of Brisbane’s diverse population.

Many residents and advocacy groups have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a necessary step in addressing the housing affordability crisis. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on neighbourhood character, with fears that increased density could lead to overcrowding and strain on infrastructure. The Brisbane City Council has assured the public that these concerns will be carefully considered, with a focus on balancing growth with the preservation of Brisbane’s unique charm.

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