Riley Flanigan - Can We Solve the Housing Crisis?

Housing affordability and availability are at crisis levels, but why? And what can we do about it?

In this episode, we sit down with Riley Flanigan, an urban designer, strategic planner, and city strategist at Urbis, to unpack the forces behind Australia’s housing crisis.

Riley has been at the forefront of housing research, policy, and advocacy, including his writing and his contributions to PIA Qld's Housing Working Group. With deep insights into master planning and housing policy, he’s been contributing his voice on housing challenges and solutions.

From policy roadblocks to promising reforms, we cut through the noise to explore what’s really happening in the housing system and what needs to change.

In this episode, we discuss: ✅ The key factors that have led to the housing crisis ✅ Whether current policies are addressing the root causes ✅ The need for both short-term fixes and long-term solutions ✅ One (or two) major policy shifts that could make a real difference ✅ What gives Riley hope for a better housing future

In this week's planning news:

⭐ Residential Activation Fund: The Deputy Premier announced the guidelines and eligibility criteria for Round 1 of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund. Residential Activation Fund | State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

⭐ Applicable event extended: On 19 March, the Planning Minister declared the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Recovery event. to be an applicable event. The applicable event declaration allows extended hours of operation for certain uses, and the ability to apply for a temporary use license.  Applicable events | Planning ⭐ Call in Notices: the Deputy Premier issued two proposed call-in notices for the Marmadua Energy Park and Middle Creek Energy Hub.  The notices seek submissions from the proponent, community and other parties about whether the proposed developments qualify as a state interest and should be assessed by the Deputy Premier.  Ministerial call-ins | Planning ⭐ Sunshine Coast TLPI Approved: the Deputy Premier approved a Temporary Local Planning Instrument proposed by Sunshine Coast Council to facilitate more local hotel proposals in Maroochydore and Caloundra, with an aim to support the tourism development of the Sunshine Coast. MEDIA STATEMENT: Maroochydore and Caloundra revitalised with new hotels on the way  - Ministerial Media Statements

⭐ DA Planners Forum: first one for 2025 is happening next week. Its online and free for PIA members, $20 for non-members. All are welcome - DA Planners Forum

⭐ Policy in Action Workshop - making good development stack up. Join us next week in 7 locations across Queensland! Free for PIA members Policy In Action 2025 - Making Good Development Stack-up

Tune in for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the headlines and into the real challenges—and solutions—shaping the future of housing.