Why is the Missing Middle so Hard to Find?

Most of us agree we need more housing diversity and more affordable housing, but the evidence is that multistorey high density residential tower blocks are less affordable and less liveable than various types of smaller homes in convenient places spread across the city. So why isn’t this type of development happening and how could we find that mythical Missing Middle? Is it really all down to the NIMBY effect (real or imagined) or are there other factors at play and can we change the trajectory?

Guest speakers: Professor Burton; Kerrianne Meulman; Maya Glassman (biographies below)

Optional lunch: Siam Southbank from 12.30 pm (pay your own)

Speaker Bios

Paul Burton, Emeritus Professor of Urban Management and Planning

Paul Burton is Emeritus Professor of Urban Management and Planning and was formerly Director of the Cities Research Institute at Griffith University. The Cities Research Institute was one of the largest concentrations of urban researchers in Australia, spanning a wide range of disciplines from architecture and planning through to civil engineering and environmental economics. Professor Burton’s specific areas of interest range across the theory and practice of public participation and community engagement; metropolitan scale governance regimes and how cities can plan for and adapt to the challenges of changing climate.

Kerrianne Meulman, Managing Director, Urban Economics

Kerrianne Meulman is Managing Director and Principal of Urban Economics, a specialist economic and market research consultancy based on the Gold Coast.  With over 30 years’ experience in consulting to the property sector, Kerrianne has a passion for exploring how and why we live, work, play and learn within our urban environments.  Kerrianne has qualifications in economics and in market research, has held committee roles with the Property Council of Australia's (Qld) Committee for Cities, the Retirement Living Committee, and past member and Chair of the PCA Qld’s Industrial Committee.

Kerrianne is a Director at Suburban Futures, an independent think tank that seeks to promote a better understanding of the important role of the suburban economy in the life of our cities. Through shared insights, information and analysis, Suburban Futures seeks to promote an equitable quality of life for suburban residents by facilitating greater employment, leisure and retail choices closer to where people live. It explores not just what is possible, but how to go about it.

Maya Glassman, Policy and Strategic Engagement Lead, Q Shelter

Maya Glassman is the Policy and Strategic Engagement Lead at Q Shelter, Queensland’s peak body working to influence solutions to housing need and homelessness. Q Shelter’s vision is for every Queenslander to have a home, and it works with the private sector, public sector, local councils, the state government, and research institutions to promote a healthy and sustainable housing system that supports this goal.

 Maya brings extensive experience in advocacy, communications, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong commitment to social impact and inclusion. Prior to joining Q Shelter, she served as the Communication and Strategic Engagement Officer at Queensland Common Ground, a supportive housing organisation providing long-term housing solutions for people with complex needs.

 Among her achievements, Maya is a Rotary Peace Fellow, having completed dual master’s degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies and International Relations, as well as an internship with the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO).