The history of human settlement in the GCR provides an interesting view of the challenges facing future growth and development. Historical perceptions of opportunity held by migrants have attracted people to its cities since the mid-nineteenth century.

Interrogating how human settlement has occurred in the GCR over time and identifying the various forms of housing utilised by the region's residents can present a clear picture of the extent of difference within the region, the challenges facing future growth and development, and importantly the impact of household growth on the number and quality of houses built, their locations and configurations.