Research led by Professor Peter Newton explored how Australian cities could increase housing density while retaining green space and the qualities people value about established suburbs.
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Using AURIN data and tools, including the AURIN-funded Envision platform, the research examined where additional housing could be accommodated within existing urban areas rather than relying primarily on continued expansion at the metropolitan fringe.
The work provides evidence for a more targeted approach to urban densification, identifying opportunities to increase housing supply while considering neighbourhood character, access to green space and existing infrastructure.
AURIN supported the research by providing data and analytical capability and by investing in the development of Envision, which allowed researchers to model and assess different urban development scenarios.
Creating new ways to explore Australia's housing challenge
The research has applications beyond an individual housing study. The methods and tools developed through the project can support planners, researchers and governments exploring how cities respond to population growth, housing demand, infrastructure pressures and climate change.
Scenario-based tools allow different development choices to be explored before they are implemented, helping decision-makers understand the potential consequences of changes to housing density and urban form.
The research also demonstrates the value of collaboration across institutions. AURIN supported national collaboration through its research network and provided expertise in connecting data, tools and systems across different organisations.
Why investment in research infrastructure matters
Australia's housing and urban growth challenges cannot be understood through a single dataset or discipline. They require researchers to combine information about housing, population, transport, land use, infrastructure and the environment.
National research infrastructure such as AURIN provides the data, tools and collaborative environment needed to undertake this work at scale.
Investment in this capability allows researchers to test alternative futures and provide governments and planners with stronger evidence for long-term decisions. The resulting benefits extend beyond individual research projects, creating reusable tools, methods and knowledge that can contribute to more liveable and sustainable Australian cities.
Image of people silhouettes and data visualisations.