THE Brisbane Channel Podcast: In-Depth

A very wide-ranging discussion covering everything from e-bikes and busways to Olympic infrastructure and the long-term future of Brisbane.Today’s guest is Dr Matthew Burke — CEO of Bicycle Queensland and someone with a long academic background in transport and city planning. So while this conversation does cover cycling in Brisbane and the debate around Queensland’s proposed e-mobility laws, it also goes much broader than that. We talk about: • Why so much of Greater Brisbane was designed around cars • The fuel crisis and Australia’s vulnerability to rising fuel costs • Why outer suburbs can be difficult to live in without a car • The future of public transport in South East Queensland • Whether Brisbane is actually improving when it comes to transport planning • And what kind of transport legacy the 2032 Olympics could leave behind Members of THE Brisbane Channel on YouTube (at Insider level or above) have access to the extended podcast, with an extra 21 minutes of ideas and discussion.Get 10% off exceptional painting services from YB Painting: www.ybpainting.com.au/tbc-podcast/

Brisbane is growing rapidly—but are we keeping up?In this first episode of The Brisbane Channel Podcast, Adam sits down with Dr Tony Matthews to take a deeper look at what’s really driving growth across Greater Brisbane, and why so many systems are starting to feel under pressure.From housing affordability to infrastructure, migration, and the limits of how cities are designed, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to explore what’s actually happening—and what it means for people living in the region.This is a condensed public version of the full conversation. Become a member of THE Brisbane Channel on YouTube for the full chat, including additional discussion on alternative housing models, international comparisons, and some of the more complex challenges shaping Brisbane’s future.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Who is Tony Matthews?02:15 – Why Brisbane?02:39 – What is playing out in SEQ?04:31 – What is driving growth?05:38 – Why here?08:33 – Listeners: who should I chat with? Plus your 10% discount from our sponsor08:02 – What about urban densification (AKA consolidation)?11:00 – Is our culture hindering progress?12:51 – Developers' benefit vs residents' benefit16:17 – What about trying successful overseas models?18:54 – Are we trapped by the decisions of the past?22:53 – Where are we headed?26:32 – What about migration?34:15 – Balancing growth with maintaining characterVisit: www.ybpainting.com.au/tbc-podcast/ for 10% off YB Painting's exceptional services.