Housing affordability crisis sparks call for community-focused developments

Australia's housing policy prioritizes affordability, but experts warn that community is not built by homes alone. As the nation grapples with a loneliness epidemic, researchers and community leaders are calling for a rethink on how new developments are designed.

Recent research has revealed that over half of all Australians are experiencing some form of social disconnection, with many feeling isolated despite living in close proximity to others. The country's housing affordability crisis has led to a focus on high-density development, but experts argue that this approach may be exacerbating the problem.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has encouraged developers to 'build, baby, build', while SA leader Peter Malinauskas has urged citizens to reconsider their perceptions of 'sprawl'. However, eminent social researcher and psychologist Hugh Mackay warns that simply building more homes is not the solution.

'If you put [people] in a 100-storey residential tower, or even a 30-storey residential tower, that's not going to make them more likely to reach out and connect with each other,' he said. 'It's going to make them feel like they're crammed in.'

Ending Loneliness Together CEO Michelle Lim agrees, citing the organization's research which found that 51% of people are either socially isolated or lonely, with nearly one in six experiencing severe loneliness.

'We're living in a world that's increasingly lonely and socially isolated — that means that even if we're living in cities, we can still feel like we don't have people to talk to or to turn to,' she said.

The concept of community is complex, and experts argue that it cannot be achieved through housing alone. Graeme Parsons, a resident of Mount Barker, has taken a proactive approach by creating a co-housing community called Miller's Corner.

'We really wanted to find a place where we could actually be able to grow old, but also a place that was surrounded by neighbours who cared,' he said.

Miller's Corner is designed to foster connections between residents, with a focus on community and sustainability. The development features 10 homes, with three more planned, and is centered around a shared public space.

Experts argue that this type of approach is critical for building strong, connected communities. Professor Mackay emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where people can interact and connect.

'The absolutely crucial factor here is creating spaces where people will just run into each other,' he said.

As the nation continues to grapple with the challenges of housing affordability and social isolation, it is clear that a new approach is needed. By prioritizing community and connection, policymakers and developers can work together to create vibrant, sustainable communities that prioritize the needs of residents.