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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Upgrading existing homes the best way to combat climate change

Media release

Upgrading existing homes the best way to combat climate change

Media release
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has appeared today at the Senate Inquiry into Climate Risk Assessment to advocate that the Federal government should drive a national, coordinated plan to make Australia’s homes stronger and safer in the face of a changing climate.

“The Federal government must lead a consistent approach to climate adaptation across all states and territories. Cyclones, floods, bushfires and heat waves are not new threats, but the way we prepare for them must change,” said HIA Chief Executive Industry & Policy, Simon Croft.  

“We need one clear, coordinated, national framework to lift resilience and keep housing affordable and attainable for all Australians.

“In our submission, HIA recommends the creation of a single, independently verified national risk-rating tool to guide planning decisions, inform insurers and give homeowners the information they need to strengthen their properties.

“HIA is also advocating for a ‘Hierarchy of Control’ model based on proven workplace-safety principles that ranks hazard-control measures from the most to the least effective, ensuring the strongest protections are prioritised.

“The greatest opportunity in mitigating climate change for our built environment, lies in upgrading Australia’s existing housing stock. 

While new homes already meet high and improving standards, the country’s eight to ten million older dwellings remain the most exposed to extreme weather and require targeted action to lift their resilience.

“The real challenge is the millions of older homes that need focused upgrades to withstand future events.

“HIA calls on the Federal government to work with states, territories and industry on a clear timetable and resources for these reforms. Taking a steady, coordinated approach now will strengthen our homes and communities and reduce the cost and disruption of future natural disasters,” concluded Mr Croft.

For more information please contact:

Simon Croft

Chief Executive - Industry & Policy

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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