This research investigated the causal roots of local opposition to affordable housing projects in Australia. It shows that planning concerns (traffic and built form) can mask prejudice against low-income residents. However community opposition can be exacerbated by dismissive attitudes by government. Developers and government both have roles to better explain to the public what affordable housing is, target more receptive communities for affordable housing, allay community fears through education, and ensure planning processes are clear and fairly implemented.

Authors: Gethin Davison, Crystal Legacy, Edgar Liu, Hoon Han, Peter Phibbs, Ryan van den Nouwelant, Michael Darcy and Awais Piracha.