EP51 Urban Growth, Housing Supply & The Future Shape of Perth: with Tim Connoley

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Connoley, Partner at Urbis, to talk about the big-picture forces shaping Perth’s growth, housing supply, and the future structure of our city. Tim works with large-scale developers and government on major urban development projects, so he brings a unique perspective on how cities actually grow, not just where houses are built, but how infrastructure, migration, planning, and economics all come together to shape communities over decades.

We discuss population growth, urban sprawl versus infill development, housing affordability, infrastructure constraints, and the long timelines involved in delivering new housing supply. Tim also explains the concept of “gentle density,” why greenfield developments are still necessary, and how government policy, planning systems, and infrastructure investment influence where and how Perth grows. If you want to understand why housing supply takes so long and what Perth might look like in 10–20 years, this episode is essential listening.

Key Topics Covered✅ Population growth and migration shaping Perth’s expansion

✅ Urban sprawl vs infill development — why we need both

✅ Why housing supply takes years (sometimes decades) to deliver

✅ Infrastructure constraints — water, power, roads, and transport

✅ How developers plan new suburbs and master-planned communities

✅ What makes a suburb successful and livable

✅ Housing affordability and the role of government

✅ Regional housing challenges and market failure

✅ Gentle density, townhouses, and low-rise apartments

✅ Innovation in housing construction (prefab, steel frame homes)