What if the biggest waste of space in Caboolture isn’t empty shops - but empty carparks? (Caboolture is a high growth outer suburb north of Brisbane).

In this episode of Streets and People, Wendy sits down with Steven Burgess, one of Australia’s leading voices on urban planning and parking reform. Steven’s journey started with Brisbane’s iconic New Farm–Teneriffe renewal and led him to ask a powerful question: what happens when we design streets for people instead of cars?

You’ll hear why car dependency costs communities more than just money - undermining safety, productivity, and even our sense of belonging. Steven shares stories of cities that thrive with less parking and more life, and he explains why the outer suburbs face both the toughest challenges and the biggest opportunities.

From urban villages within walking or biking distance, to smarter transport choices, to the economic upside of reform - this conversation reveals practical, hopeful ways your Council can grow into a safer, more connected, and more enjoyable place to live.

Listen in, and imagine what your suburb could become if we stopped paving paradise for parking lots.

To read the report about the post-parking reform transformation on Elizabeth Street, Hobart, see our website page for this episode

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

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