Report | New research

High-growth precincts or
high-risk investments?

How utilities can build a stronger evidence base for infrastructure decisions around Transit Oriented Development (TOD). 

Utility and infrastructure planners are under pressure to respond quickly to rapid population growth and government housing targets - often in areas with ageing networks, with limited lead time, and amid uncertainty about exactly when, where and how much growth will ultimately occur.

Balancing investment timing, network capacity, and long-term demand is increasingly complex.

A credible forecast of future transit-oriented growth

In the latest report from .id (informed decisions), we share independent research into three transit precincts - Macquarie Park, Epping and Woolloongabba - as case studies that show how growth and development can unfold differently, even when policy settings are similar. 

These examples show how demographic analysis, development research, and feasibility modelling of development sites are used to help utilities planners build a credible evidence base to answer the big questions:

  • Where is growth likely?
  • When will it happen?
  • And how should infrastructure respond?

High growth precincts report preview

 

Download a copy of this report

An evidence base to answer the big infrastructure questions.

This report shares the evidence base used by planners in some of Australia’s fastest-growing regions to enhance internal modelling and clarify where growth is most likely and when investment will matter most.

Rich data from detailed research into housing, demographics and development feasiblity

This report brings together insights from the National Forecasting Program at .id (informed decisions) to reveal where, how, and when growth is likely to occur in key precincts.

 

Development Pipeline

Residential development forecasts

When and where is new housing likely to be delivered?

Retail TOD (2)-1

Population forecasts

How many people are likely to live in each area—and when?

 

Retail TOD (4)

Feasibility modelling

Will new projects stack up for developers?

 

Three TOD precincts, three differnet development forecasts

This report examines three transit-oriented precincts: Macquarie Park in Sydney, Epping in Melbourne, and Woolloongabba in Brisbane. Each is at a different stage of the development cycle, with varying levels of demographic demand and competing supply, leading to very different timelines for growth.

Transit oriented development - Case studies (600 x 600 px) (1200 x 800 px)
 

How the timing of growth is shaped by supply, demand and feasibility

While all three precincts are earmarked for growth, the timing and scale of development vary widely. This reflects not just planning intent, but the interplay between demographic demand, the volume of development in the pipeline, and the feasibility of that development—shaped by planning controls, market conditions, and the potential return for developers.

Development sequencing-1

Strengthen your infrastructure planning with the latest evidence base.

Download the report to learn how additional data on housing supply, demand, and development feasibility can reinforce your modelling and support more confident decision-making.

Use these insights to:
• Forecast the timing of development more accurately
• Negotiate with confidence
• Present a credible case for capex funding
• Prioritise investments in your network

GET THE REPORT

About .id (informed decisions)

At .id (informed decisions), we help utilities, infrastructure providers, and planners make high-stakes investment decisions with greater confidence. By combining demographic, economic, housing, and community data with predictive analytics and spatial modelling, we provide an independent evidence base that reveals where—and crucially, when—growth is likely to occur.

Our insights support smarter infrastructure planning, help align investment with real demand, and reduce the risk of costly missteps. Trusted by over 350 local councils and Australia’s leading service providers, we equip decision-makers with the tools and intelligence they need to plan for sustainable growth and thriving communities.