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“We currently have a housing crisis in the ACT, and part of the solution is to identify and start work on a sustainable pipeline of land for residential building in the ACT,” said Greg Weller, HIA Executive Director ACT & Southern NSW.
“Last financial year the ACT approved the lowest number of detached houses since records started in the 1960’s. Over recent years when the Suburban Land Agency conducts a ballot for land, it is not uncommon for these to be oversubscribed by thousands. That tells us we have a problem.
“Kowen Forest is a good solution and identifying a long-term pipeline of land is something that we have been calling for in our pre-election housing priorities, to take the pressure off Canberrans who currently feel like every land sale will be the last.
“The current Indicative Land Release Program is too short a horizon, is not transparent enough and does not report against its success.
“The ACT has to accept that the current approach to planning is pushing families into surrounding developments in NSW, putting more cars on the road for longer, potentially negating some of the environmental benefits they are seeking to achieve. The ACT also misses out on revenue through land tax, rates and registrations.
“We continue to support increasing density within the city’s existing footprint and have long said that the discussion shouldn’t be one or the other regarding infill or greenfield. So, we also encourage a future government to look at existing limitations such as the Lease Variation tax on new housing in existing suburbs.
“If the city is to keep growing as planned, we need bold and clear statements as to how and where that will happen,” concluded Mr Weller.
“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.
The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.
“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.
“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.