Defining the density debate: Social representations of urban consolidation in Brisbane

This thesis is concerned with understanding the social representations that impact on how stakeholders understand, value and act in relation to urban consolidation, a planning policy designed to increase the density of housing in existing urban areas. The study revealed that urban consolidation is a complex topic that involves associated issues of land use conflict, regional population management, investment and property, home and housing affordability, neighbourhood change and urban renewal. Urban consolidation is a political topic subject to vested interests and often doesn't achieve the positive outcomes for which it is promoted in policy document