The Housing Industry Association (HIA) supports the progression of the Lee Point development and calls for certainty so much-needed housing can be delivered for Territorians.

The Northern Territory continues to face significant housing challenges. Population growth, workforce shortages and limited housing supply are placing increasing pressure on renters, home buyers and businesses seeking to attract and retain workers.

If we are serious about addressing housing affordability and availability, we must increase the supply of new homes. That requires a consistent pipeline of serviced land and housing developments capable of delivering homes at scale.

The Lee Point development represents an important contribution to that pipeline.

For too long, Australia has talked about the need for more housing while making it increasingly difficult to bring new supply to market. Every year of delay adds cost, uncertainty and risk, making housing more expensive and less attainable for Territorian families.

HIA recognises that environmental and cultural considerations are important and must be appropriately addressed through established planning and assessment processes. However, those processes must ultimately provide clear and timely decisions.

Defence Housing Australia has undertaken extensive planning, consultation and design work over many years. There comes a point where consultation must translate into certainty and delivery.

This development offers the opportunity to increase housing supply, support local jobs and provide confidence for investment in the Territory at a time when both are urgently needed.

The project will also provide important work for local builders, subcontractors, suppliers and tradespeople. Maintaining a steady pipeline of construction activity is critical to retaining skilled workers and apprentices in the Territory.

The Territory's construction workforce remains under pressure. Without a strong flow of residential projects, skilled workers will continue to seek opportunities elsewhere, reducing our capacity to build the homes, infrastructure and communities needed for future growth.

Housing supply, workforce retention and economic growth are interconnected challenges. Projects such as Lee Point help address all three.

HIA supports responsible development that balances environmental outcomes with the urgent need to increase housing supply. The Territory cannot afford continued uncertainty and delay when families are struggling to find housing and employers are struggling to find workers.

It is time to move forward with Lee Point and deliver the homes, jobs and economic activity the Northern Territory needs.

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