{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Blocking UTAS move a backward step in housing supply

Media release

Blocking UTAS move a backward step in housing supply

Media release
“The long-discussed move of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) from the Sandy Bay campus presents a real opportunity to ease housing pressures in Greater Hobart,” said Stuart Collins, HIA Executive Director Tasmania.

“For many years, Tasmania’s demand for housing has not been met with sufficient supply, resulting in significant stresses on families and households in both the private and public housing market.

“Increasing supply is the key to addressing the housing and rental market problem and we need policies that support this.

“Attempts to block the release of the UTAS Sandy Bay campus for sensible residential development that could support a mix of housing including medium-density, presents a significant backward step in solving Tasmania’s housing supply issues.

“The UTAS’ 2021 Sandy Bay site masterplan included the development of practical and thoughtful precincts, featuring 2,500 homes, retirement living and aged care, tourism and a bushland reserve. The site is also able to utilise existing infrastructure, speeding up the development process and saving cost.

“Recent election commitments to support new earthworks and civil construction training facilities are supported, however, they will not assist with easing housing pressures for young Tasmanians or families.

“An incoming government must continue to invest in traditional construction training and apprenticeships, and provide support to the Vocational Education and Training system to both TasTAFE and private training providers.

“Rather than policies that will have an adverse impact on housing supply for Tasmania, we call on all parties to focus on housing policies to ease housing constraints, increase supply and support industry to build for Tasmania’s future.

“The residential construction sector is ready and equipped to continue to build the housing of the future for Tasmanians, to meet the demand for new homes and to ease the crisis impacting on many Tasmanian families,” concluded Mr Collins.

For more information please contact:

Stuart Collins

Regional Executive Director - Tasmania

Simon Croft

Chief Executive - Industry & Policy
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
20 May
Builders and developers must meet anti-money laundering laws

New federal anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws (AML/CTF laws) will take effect from 1 July 2026.

20 May
$20,000 first home owner grant welcomed by industry

Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to set the First Home Owner Grant for new homes to $20,000, saying the measure will provide meaningful support to first home buyers while underpinning confidence in the state’s residential construction sector.

18 May
Have your say – two new planning pathways on exhibition

HIA successfully lobbied for an expansion of fast-track planning approvals in NSW. Now the NSW Government is proposing to introduce two new planning pathways designed to streamline the assessment process for for low rise residential development. These new pathways are part of the NSW Government's planning system reforms.

18 May
Confidence in new housing market remains

“New home sales in the month of April increased by 4.9 per cent despite rising interest rates and domestic and global uncertainty,” stated HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon.