DPM’s Contribution to Industry Research on Utility Delivery
DPM Consulting Group recently contributed to an industry research paper led by Suburban Futures, examining how alternative utility delivery models can better support housing supply across growing communities.
The paper, How to Build More Houses Sooner, Smarter and For Less, focuses on the role of essential infrastructure, including water, wastewater and energy, in enabling or delaying residential development.
DPM’s contribution, led by Mal McCann, brings practical insight into how current servicing approaches impact project timelines, costs and long-term outcomes.
How Infrastructure Constraints Are Impacting Housing Development
A key finding of the research is the growing disconnect between land that is ready for development and the infrastructure required to service it.
In many cases, housing projects are delayed while waiting for water, sewer and energy connections to be delivered. This contributes to slower housing supply, rising development costs and inefficiencies in infrastructure investment.
Traditional, centralised utility models can also struggle to support staged growth, regional expansion and increasing expectations around sustainability and resilience.
Decentralised Infrastructure as a Smarter Alternative
The research explores decentralised and modular infrastructure as a practical solution to these challenges.
Rather than relying entirely on large scale trunk networks, developments can be supported by precinct scale systems that deliver water and wastewater services earlier in the development lifecycle.
These systems are flexible and scalable, allowing them to operate independently in early stages and integrate with regional infrastructure over time.
Supporting Faster Housing Delivery and Better Outcomes
By aligning infrastructure delivery with development timing, decentralised systems can help unlock housing supply sooner.
A case study in the paper highlights how infrastructure delays of 7 to 10 years can be reduced through modular servicing approaches.
In addition to faster delivery, these systems can support improved water efficiency, increased resilience and more sustainable infrastructure outcomes for growing communities.
Looking Ahead for Infrastructure and Housing Supply
The paper highlights that while the technology and engineering capability already exist, broader adoption will depend on regulatory support and industry alignment.
DPM’s involvement reflects a commitment to advancing practical, evidence-based solutions that improve infrastructure delivery and support the timely development of new housing.
Continuing the Conversation at Industry Events
These ideas were also explored in more detail at the recent Disrupting Utilities BAU seminar hosted by Suburban Futures in Brisbane.
DPM’s Queensland State Manager, Mal McCann, joined a panel of industry experts to discuss how emerging technologies and alternative delivery models could reshape the way essential utilities are planned and delivered.
The session reinforced many of the key themes from the research paper, particularly the need to challenge business as usual approaches and consider more flexible, scalable solutions for growing communities.
Check out photos from the event below.
Access the Full Research Paper
To read the full paper:
- Visit suburbanfutures.com.au
- Navigate to the Research and Policy section
- Sign in
- Download the report for free
It is a valuable resource for professionals involved in urban planning, infrastructure delivery and housing development.
