TOD Down Under

"Constructing a mixed-use development of residential, commercial and retail space on top of public transport infrastructure is not a new idea.

Major cities in Europe and North America embraced the idea of living and working around bus, tram and rail nodes decades ago, Colliers International research analyst Lachlan Walker said.

Geared around creating 'walkable communities', transit-oriented developments - or TODs as they are known - bring together a range of uses and are designed to link working, living, learning and entertainment.

A central aim is slash people's reliance on cars, which is critical in a city like Brisbane where traffic congestion is a growing problem.

'TODs usually result in reduced car usage, reduced car ownership, increased use of public transport, reduced carbon footprint, increased local business activity and more efficient use of existing infrastructure,' Mr Walker said."