Every day, thousands cross the NSW–QLD border without noticing the invisible systems that shape where and how people live. But for those navigating housing challenges, that border can mark a major shift in policy, access and support.

In the first episode of my new podcast series on affordable and social housing, I spoke with Jackson Hills (Q Shelter, General Manager - Policy and Strategic Engagement) and John Engeler (Chair, National Shelter & CEO, Shelter NSW) about housing futures in the cross-border region and how coordination is evolving. Topics we explored:

• How rental bond policies vary between states and what that means for renters
• The way emergency housing services operate on either side of the border
• Different planning and certification approaches for build-to-rent and modular housing
• The role of climate resilience in large-scale housing investment across jurisdictions

We also looked at where collaboration is already happening, from councils sharing resources to service providers learning from each other’s models. NSW’s bond assistance programs and QLD’s rapid housing projects show how each state brings something valuable to the table.

People in housing stress don’t see borders — and more often, the systems supporting them are starting to think the same way.