
Unlocking Urban Potential: Exploring YIMBYism with Jonathan O'Brien
07/08/24 • 69 min
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Hey, Legends! Welcome to this week's episode of The Building Talks Podcast! Today, we're delving into the world of YIMBYism with Jonathan O'Brien, Lead Organiser of YIMBY Melbourne. YIMBY, or "Yes In My Backyard," offers proactive solutions to Australia's housing crisis, exploring planning regulations, heritage overlays, and the "missing middle" housing concept. Jonathan discusses how increasing urban density near CBDs can expand housing options.
We also explore ideological debates on urban development, from left-wing to right-wing perspectives, balancing progress and preservation. Jonathan's insights on city living and community planning make this episode essential for urban development enthusiasts. Join us for an engaging conversation on housing solutions and the future of our cities!
Key Takeaways from the conversation:
- How the YIMBY movement aims to support more housing development in desirable areas
- How zoning laws limit housing development, contributing to the affordable housing shortage.
- How and why higher density is important for economic growth, social connections, and sustainable cities.
- Understanding how heritage preservation can hinder housing development; regulations need to balance preservation and progress.
- A shift in mindset and policy is needed to increase housing options and address affordability. Social and affordable housing provide safe homes for those in need.
- Government funding and support are crucial for building social and affordable housing, but financing and labour challenges exist.
- Policy changes should make it easier to build various types of housing and increase supply, including higher density near rail infrastructure and ending single-family zoning.
- The YIMBY movement seeks to create a more inclusive and affordable housing market.
Chapters
- The Impact of Zoning Regulations on Housing Development
- The Importance of Density for Economic and Social Benefits
- Rethinking Mindsets and Policies for Housing Affordability
- Understanding Affordable Housing and the Housing Crisis
- Challenges in Building and Funding Social and Affordable Housing
- Policy Changes to Increase Housing Supply and Density
- The YIMBY Movement: Advocating for More Housing Development
- The Future of the Housing Crisis and the YIMBY Movement
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #YIMBYism #YIMBYMelbourne #HousingCrisisSolutions
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
Contact The Building Talks Podcast
- Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
- Visit us on our website
- Email us at [email protected]
Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!
Hey, Legends! Welcome to this week's episode of The Building Talks Podcast! Today, we're delving into the world of YIMBYism with Jonathan O'Brien, Lead Organiser of YIMBY Melbourne. YIMBY, or "Yes In My Backyard," offers proactive solutions to Australia's housing crisis, exploring planning regulations, heritage overlays, and the "missing middle" housing concept. Jonathan discusses how increasing urban density near CBDs can expand housing options.
We also explore ideological debates on urban development, from left-wing to right-wing perspectives, balancing progress and preservation. Jonathan's insights on city living and community planning make this episode essential for urban development enthusiasts. Join us for an engaging conversation on housing solutions and the future of our cities!
Key Takeaways from the conversation:
- How the YIMBY movement aims to support more housing development in desirable areas
- How zoning laws limit housing development, contributing to the affordable housing shortage.
- How and why higher density is important for economic growth, social connections, and sustainable cities.
- Understanding how heritage preservation can hinder housing development; regulations need to balance preservation and progress.
- A shift in mindset and policy is needed to increase housing options and address affordability. Social and affordable housing provide safe homes for those in need.
- Government funding and support are crucial for building social and affordable housing, but financing and labour challenges exist.
- Policy changes should make it easier to build various types of housing and increase supply, including higher density near rail infrastructure and ending single-family zoning.
- The YIMBY movement seeks to create a more inclusive and affordable housing market.
Chapters
- The Impact of Zoning Regulations on Housing Development
- The Importance of Density for Economic and Social Benefits
- Rethinking Mindsets and Policies for Housing Affordability
- Understanding Affordable Housing and the Housing Crisis
- Challenges in Building and Funding Social and Affordable Housing
- Policy Changes to Increase Housing Supply and Density
- The YIMBY Movement: Advocating for More Housing Development
- The Future of the Housing Crisis and the YIMBY Movement
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #YIMBYism #YIMBYMelbourne #HousingCrisisSolutions
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
Contact The Building Talks Podcast
- Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
- Visit us on our website
- Email us at [email protected]
Previous Episode

Talking with Greg Tupicoff about Navigating Urban Planning and Property Development in Australia
Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!
Hey, Legends! Welcome to this week's episode of The Building Talks Podcast! We’re thrilled to bring you an in-depth chat with Greg Tupicoff, General Manager of Developments at Alder Group in Brisbane. Greg’s journey from planning to property development gives him a unique perspective on how these two worlds intersect.
In this episode, we dive into planning and development, focusing on Southeast Queensland where Greg is based, but also touching upon the other States in Australia. We discuss the ins and outs of master-planned communities versus inner-city brownfield sites, highlighting the pros and cons of each from a development viewpoint. Greg shares his insights on how planning influences developers' decisions and supports local communities, while also touching on the tensions between the capitalist-driven motives of developers and the community-focused social goals of planners.
With the current housing crisis, we explore the role of government and councils in encouraging home and apartment building, and the challenges developers face with planning approvals, costs, and land acquisition. Greg’s balanced perspective sheds light on how collaborative efforts between developers and planners can better serve society’s needs.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation that’s packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in property development and urban planning.
Key Takeaways:
- Insight into planning and development in property
- Challenges and opportunities in master-planned and brownfield sites
- The impact of planning on the housing crisis and the need for collaboration
- Serving society's well-being through collaborative planning and development
If you're all about the Aussie construction scene, this episode is a must-listen because it provides a deep dive into the dynamic between planning and development, offering invaluable insights from Greg Tupicoff of Alder Group. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in urban planning, master-planned communities, and how effective collaboration can address the housing crisis and benefit society.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #PlanningAndDevelopment #PropertyDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #HousingCrisis #MasterPlannedCommunities #BrownfieldSites #SustainableDevelopment #BuildingTalks #AlderGroup #RealEstate #UrbanDevelopment #ConstructionIndustry
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
Contact The Building Talks Podcast
- Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
- Visit us on our website
- Email us at [email protected]
Next Episode

Talking with Adrien Mamet About Improving Construction: Mental Health, Apprentice Support, and Industry Innovations
Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!
Hey, Legends! In this week’s episode of The Building Talks Podcast, we chat with Adrien Mamet, Managing Director of Mamet Homes and co-founder of BuildUp Australia and BuildUp Apprentice. Adrien shares his journey from a dedicated tradie to a successful luxury home builder in Queensland, addressing key issues like apprenticeships, mental health, and construction quality.
Adrien provides valuable insights into the gaps in apprenticeship training and the need for improved mental health support in the construction industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in construction or trade apprenticeships, offering practical ideas and inspiring solutions for enhancing the industry. Tune in to gain actionable insights and learn how Adrien is driving positive change in construction.
Key Takeaways:
- Constant changes in the industry can stress out workers and impact mental health.
- Good communication and support are vital for tackling mental health issues in construction.
- Long hours can hurt personal well-being.
- BuildUp Australia supports builders by sharing experiences and improving mental health.
- High apprentice dropout rates are often due to a lack of mentorship.
- BuildUp Apprentice connects apprentices with experienced mentors.
- Standardised training and quality control are needed in the apprenticeship system.
- Better mentorship can help keep apprentices in the industry.
- Improved oversight is needed to ensure quality in construction work.
- Ongoing training is crucial for tradespeople to keep their skills sharp.
- A feedback loop/system is necessary to address and fix poor-quality work.
- BuildUp Australia promotes collaboration, mentorship, and high standards in construction.
If you're all about the Aussie construction scene, this episode is a must-listen for its deep dive into industry challenges and solutions. Adrien shares insights on managing workloads, balancing work ethic with mental health, and the critical role of mentorship. Discover how BuildUp Australia is improving quality standards and support networks, offering a fresh perspective on transforming the construction industry.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.
#ConstructionIndustry #MentalHealthInConstruction #Apprenticeships #BuildUpAustralia #ConstructionQuality #TradeSkills #ConstructionChallenges #Mentorship #Co
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
Contact The Building Talks Podcast
- Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
- Visit us on our website
- Email us at [email protected]
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