The so-called millennial generation is driving a big change agenda in Brisbane as baby boomers drift to surrounding cities in search of housing choice.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Queensland had roughly equal numbers of baby boomers (born 1946–1964), Gen X (1965–1980) and millennials (1981–1996).
But, in Brisbane, millennials were “by far and away the biggest group of the adult population”.
“Brisbane being dominant in the millennial generation is an important part of why this city is more willing to embrace change,” he said.
“They grew up with change. It’s the first digital generation. They accept that change is a fact of life.”
Cr Schrinner made the comments at the official launch of the RSM 2026 Leading Cities – Brisbane report at the RSM Queen St office last night.
The report outlines the changing face of Brisbane in coming decades, with more self-contained neighbourhoods, detached housing falling to less than half of total dwellings and a 24-hour economy.
It points to continuing economic growth and greater industry diversity as the city capitalises on renewed energy from hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cr Schrinner said more highrise and less backyards was “part of what will happen” but he said the city’s density could double and it would still be one of the lowest density cities in the world.
He said higher density was as much about housing choice as it was about squeezing more people into Brisbane.
The trick was to choose the right locations for higher density and serve the “spectrum” of how people wanted to live.
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane had fewer baby boomers, in relative terms, because so many had moved to the coasts and areas like Moreton Bay and Redlands.
This was because Brisbane did not have the type of housing that they wanted “once their four to five bedroom house in the suburbs was too big for them”.
“Having a choice of housing across the spectrum is absolutely critical,” he said.
“We don’t want to see people leaving the city and particularly because there is nowhere in the city for them to live.”
Cr Schrinner said there was a wave of change coming Brisbane’s way across the economy, development, technology and culture.
“If you think the change was significant before now, hold on,” he said. “It (change) is coming and the pace of change is accelerating.
“There’s a bit of magic happening in Brisbane”
“There is no doubt that Brisbane is growing up and that growing up process is more than just about having higher buildings and more people living here.
“It’s getting more mature, it’s getting more complex and it’s getting more diverse – it’s getting deeper in its talent and the change is happening at multiple levels.”
The RSM Leading Cities – Brisbane report is available here.
