Ex-NAB chief economist Alan Oster joins Orens Capital to address economic outlook amid housing reform

Melbourne, Australia—21 March 2025—With the Victorian government committed to building 800,000 new homes by 2034, the property sector stands at a critical turning point. Orens Capital launches its Deep Dive series to address these seismic shifts directly, bringing together industry leaders to explore the opportunities and risks ahead. Featuring Alan Oster, former chief economist of NAB, as the keynote speaker in May, Deep Dive aims to provide exclusive insights into how these policy changes will reshape investment, development, and affordability. 

Under the Victorian Government’s bold housing framework, the official targets aim to deliver 80,000 new homes yearly over the next decade, strongly focusing on accelerating development approvals and complementing infrastructure. A key component of this plan is its emphasis on greenfield development, constructing new infrastructure or developments on previously undeveloped land. Recognising the unique planning challenges, the initiative includes dedicated sub-targets for greenfield land in metropolitan Melbourne’s growth area councils.  

The targets are particularly ambitious in key outer regions. For example, Cardinia aims to deliver 30,000 new homes—21,000 of which are earmarked for greenfield development, compared to 9,000 for non-greenfield—while Casey’s target stands at 87,000 new homes, including 58,500 for greenfield and 28,500 for non-greenfield. These figures underscore the government’s commitment to promoting greenfield growth in areas where Orens Capital is actively investing. 

“The Victorian Government’s updated housing plan signals a major push to address housing shortages in rapidly expanding suburbs in Victoria’s key growth corridors,” said Jimmy Zhang, Founder and CEO at Orens Capital. “We’re seeing accelerated approval processes, enhanced infrastructure investments, and clearer planning schedules directly supporting sustainable community development. Our Deep Dive series will unpack these shifts, offering actionable strategies for our capital partners to thrive under this evolving regulatory landscape.” 

Scheduled for 22 May 2025 in Melbourne, the keynote will feature Alan Oster—one of Australia’s leading economists—presenting “The State of the Australian Economy: Key Macro Trends Driving the Market Forward." His talk will explore fiscal policies, interest rates, and the broader dynamics of the property sector, which have become increasingly significant in light of the new state housing directives. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Alan share his insights at this critical juncture for the property market,” Zhang continued. “His macroeconomic perspective, coupled with our in-depth analysis of local housing reforms, will help the property community understand where growth opportunities lie and how to navigate emerging challenges.” 

Previous keynote speakers who have shared insights at Orens Capital include Linda Allison, CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victoria. 

“Our objective is to arm capital partners, developers, and stakeholders with the most up-to-date data and strategies so they can effectively respond to policy changes,” Zhang added. “By aligning our insights with the government’s framework, we’re not just anticipating market shifts—we’re positioning ourselves to capitalise on them.” 

Orens Capital’s Deep Dive series is a monthly event essential for those eager to stay ahead of the curve. For more information on the 2025 event lineup, registration details, and upcoming events, please visit Orens Capital’s website. 

The first-half lineup of the 2025 Deep Dive Series 

• 28 March: The Tarneit Case Study – an in-depth exploration of successful large-scale developments 

• 25 April: Orens Capital Southeast Project Site Visit – firsthand insights into the growth corridors of Casey and Cardinia Shire  

• 22 May: Deep Dive Keynote featuring Alan Oster – timely discussions on rate adjustments and the macroeconomic implications of housing reforms 

Expanding Beyond Victoria’s Growth Areas 

While Orens Capital remains deeply engaged in Victoria’s key growth corridors, its investment strategy extends beyond the state’s booming outer suburbs. The firm actively pursues opportunities across Australia, targeting high-growth residential corridors, emerging commercial precincts, and strategically positioned mixed-use developments. Orens Capital is advancing several greenfield and infill projects in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, leveraging market data and policy trends to identify regions poised for sustained housing demand. 

“We are committed to scaling our footprint nationally, ensuring that our portfolio aligns with government-led housing initiatives and organic market growth,” Zhang stated. “From Melbourne’s rapidly expanding outer suburbs to dynamic urban renewal sites in Sydney and Brisbane, we are focused on projects that balance long-term sustainability with strong market fundamentals.”