Gentle density: a new tool to easing Australia's housing crisis

"The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling for smarter urban planning that allows for more townhouses, micro-lot houses, and triplexes in established suburbs, with minimal disruption to the character of those suburbs.

"Gentle density is about building more homes in existing suburbs - close to education facilities , jobs, and transport - while maintaining the charm of our communities.

"With Australia facing a severe shortage in housing availability and affordability, 'gentle density' provides a balanced approach by optimising land use and introducing diverse housing options.

"Current zoning laws are outdated and restrictive, often leaving Australians with limited choices between sprawling houses or towering apartment blocks. Gentle density bridges this gap by supporting middle-ground housing options like townhouses and small-scale apartments.

"Planning must be able to deliver on the big picture and use the right tools in the right locations, this means balancing housing needs both in the inner suburbs and greenfield.

"HIA has released a report into gentle density and is urging state and local governments to adopt forward-thinking policies that encourage this type of development.

"Australia needs to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years to meet growing demand. Unblocking housing in our existing suburbs is a crucial piece of that puzzle.

"By streamlining approval processes and allowing for more flexible zoning, we can unlock the potential of our existing suburbs alongside greenfield housing and create vibrant, liveable communities for generations to come," concluded Mr Hermon.