This Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre , Mapping the Social and Affordable Housing Network aims to contribute to improvement in the productivity, effectiveness and efficiency of this network in Australia. analysis and findings have then been based on: (i) knowledge gathered in the previous SBENRC  social and affordable housing program of research;  desk top research of the network; a limited review of relevant network mapping literature; (iv) input of expert stakeholders in the workshops held from May-July 2019; (v) feedback on draft maps from research partners; a limited review of literature relevant to system improvement; a limited review of housing system literature in Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK). The network maps reveal the complexity of the system and can potentially help policy makers better understand the breadth of change which needs to be addressed, beyond supply and demand and economic value.

It is important to note that such a view of the social and affordable housing system in both WA and Qld has not been undertaken to date. These maps are thus provided as a base from which to build a more detailed understanding of how this complex system functions. Further expert panel workshops and interviews would be required to enable greater understanding which could then inform the development of data rich maps using online network mapping software. The maps cannot be comprehensive due to the expansive nature of the network, but they are intended to provide a starting point for understanding. As such they could become part of a living process for organisations to engage with partners and the broader sector to better understand the changing nature of the network over time, given available funding and resources. This subsequent analysis, in line with the project objectives identified in the SBEnrc P1.61 Project Schedule and Project Steering Group discussions, aims to identify: (i) identify strengths, weaknesses and critical junctions in the network; (ii) identify opportunities for system improvement for example, in relation to technical, capability, coordination, cultural or other issues; and (iii) make recommendations for policy, research and skills development in the sector.