A black-and-white map of South East Queensland showing major highways, built-up urban areas, and key cities including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Caboolture. The map highlights the SEQ region and its connection to the rest of Australia.

S2E9 PnP Peter Spearritt When Cities Are for Cars

Peter Spearritt When Cities Are for Cars

Freeways keep growing, but where does that leave you if you don’t drive? In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Emeritus Professor Peter from the University of Queensland explores how Southeast Queensland’s urban sprawl and road-heavy planning have shaped the way you move. He shares childhood memories of walkable neighbourhoods, unpacks the decades-long grip of the roads lobby, and looks at how political choices keep cars in control.

You’ll hear about shrinking green spaces, the disconnectbetween transport planning and real needs, and the limits of current infrastructure. With insights from Brisbane’s busways and Melbourne’s rail network, the discussion turns to practical fixes—like smaller electric buses and smarter public transport. When streets are built for speed instead of people, what does that mean for your future?

Looking for the article on the 200km city? You’ll find it here.

www.GetAroundCaboolture.au

The Streets and People Podcast

Every day in Caboolture and Morayfield, people get left behind because they can’t drive. Some are too young. Some are older. Others live with disability or manage on a low income. You probably know 1 or 2 people in that situation.

We keep asking the same question: Why do cars get the red carpet while everyone else gets the gravel?

Get Around Caboolture is a local movement focused on practical transport solutions that work for more people. Through real stories and expert insights, our podcast highlights what’s missing – and what’s possible.

Our podcast series:

People & Projects (PnP): Interviews with researchers, advocates, and professionals working on transport solutions across Australia.

Not Everyone Drives (NED): Conversations with locals who don’t drive, sharing how transport access, or the lack of it, shapes their everyday lives.

Road Rules 360 (RR360)
Co-hosted with John Burrill, this series looks at road rules from all angles, with a focus on people walking, riding, scooting, or using mobility aids.

You’re invited to explore the episodes and learn more at www.GetAroundCaboolture.au.

Get Around Caboolture is a community movement advocating for more transport choice and less hassle.

Here are easy ways you can help us get better transport 

Feel free to share the love and post an episode to a friend or colleague you think would enjoy listening to it. 

If you like what we’re doing on our podcast, please review and rate as this helps the analytics :-)

Click here to find out how to help us get more transport options! 

Laura's family crossing the road
If you're interested in what we do, we could do with your support

Get Around Caboolture is a community movement advocating for more travel options for people in
Caboolture & Morayfield. 

Our Goals

1. All children can ride to school on safe streets 

2. All young adults can get to work or study without needing a car so they begin adulthood without a debt of $15,000 a year. 

A lack of transport options leads to a high financial burden for
families, businesses and governments.

The only way we can be sustainable for the long term is with your help. 

Photo: Dan Peled/The Guardian