28/07/2022
We as a community are experiencing changes to our home and work lives at a pace which could not have been foreseen. The systems and processes upon which we rely on to feed and clothe ourselves are under pressure and crumbling. What we want and need to live healthy and happy lives can no longer be guaranteed. We have seen empty shelves at the supermarket, talk of an energy crisis and a break down in our supply chains. One issue has never been more obvious, it has never been so difficult to find a place to call home.
The causes of the current housing crisis are many and complex. Inflationary pressures that inevitable result in a rise in interest rates, low unemployment levels leading to a skills shortage, delays and interruptions in sourcing building materials and of course sickness and disease which most have not seen in their lifetime. This is but a few of the many factors which have contributed to high house prices and a lack of affordable rental properties or other accommodation around the whole of the country.
If you are to believe several high-profile business organisations within Toowoomba, these factors, which are being experienced all around the globe are not the main issue. It is argued it is the lack of available land to develop for housing. But this is a very difficult argument to sustain when you look at the facts. It leads one to wonder who will benefit from the release of more land for development
According to the latest statistics https://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/report/lsdm?release=2021&area=toowoomba&page=residential
there is 6.2 years of unconstructed approved residential development and between 20 – 32 years (depending on who you choose to believe) of allocated and available residential land for development in the Toowoomba area. State planning regulations require Councils to aim for a maximum of 15 years of future land supply.
There are many opinions about the best way to house our current and future generations . But one thing is for sure, expanding our urban area will not solve the problem. In fact, it will likely bring more problems and place unsustainable pressure on our ability as a community to provide and maintain our standard of living. This has been proven time and time again all over the world.
The standard of our public utilities such water and sewer will decline and likely cost us more. Traffic congestion on our streets will be the norm and those without a car will find it harder to gain employment. It is often the fringe areas of a city that experience the social and economic consequences of urban sprawl the most. This often leads to social and economic disadvantage in those areas.
In the long-term no one will benefit from a short sighted unnecessary release of additional land for development. In the short term, we should concentrate on making much better use of the land available to us now. We need the leaders within our community to encourage and support this approach. Smaller houses on smaller lots and multiple storey unit development in areas close to our economic and employment centres. The further subdivision of the traditionally large lots in our suburban area. We must take a planned and strategic approach to providing housing for our community. We must have a vision and we must take the necessary steps to get us there. Knee jerk, partisan approaches will not get us to where we want to be.
Of course, a more strategic approach will have its challenges. However, if we work together as a community we will overcome these challenges and the whole of our community will benefit. A car will no longer be mandatory if you live in Toowoomba, our community infrastructure will be used more efficiently and we will live closer to the places where we work and play. Our public spaces will be vibrant. We will live as a Community.
