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“The discussions in Taree reflect the growing challenges faced by builders in regional centres, with workforce shortages, planning delays and a lack of enabling infrastructure holding back new housing supply,” HIA Executive Director Hunter, Craig Jennion said today.
“Housing affordability and supply are no longer just city problems they’re biting hard across regional Australia.
“In Taree and across the Mid North Coast, the demand for housing continues to rise, yet local builders are struggling to find land, workers and approvals fast enough to keep up.
“According to HIA’s Housing the Regions report, regional NSW accounted for 42 per cent of all net migration inflows in 2024, showing a strong shift of people leaving the cities for regional life. Yet many towns such as Taree face worsening shortages in both skilled trades and affordable homes.
“Local builders report that project approvals can take many months, material costs remain high and finding qualified trades is a constant challenge particularly for carpentry, bricklaying and electrical work.
“Regional communities like Taree are ready to grow, but they need the right support from government,” Mr Jennion said.
“The Housing the Regions report calls for national and state governments to focus on planning reform, land release and training initiatives to support regional growth.
“Regional NSW has a major role to play in meeting the nation’s housing targets.
“With the right policy focus, towns like Taree can be at the forefront of Australia’s housing recovery,” concluded Mr Jennion.
In what has been a difficult time for many Victorians, HIA welcomes the package of support measures announced by the Allan and Albanese Governments to support businesses, individuals and communities affected by the recent Victorian bushfires.
“HIA is disappointed that the Victorian government has announced new proposals to further increase property taxes,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.
HIA says residential builders and trades remain cautious about hiring in 2026. Not due to a lack of housing demand, but because of mounting cost pressures, regulatory hurdles, and persistent skills shortages, according to a survey of small to medium enterprise members.
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.