REAL STATE - Housing progress but more work to do

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) was pleased to see housing feature prominently at the Economic Reform Roundtable recently, according to HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin, particularly on cutting excessive red tape and streamlining environmental approvals..

“Australia is in a housing crisis and all solutions to solving this critical once in a generation issue, must be on the agenda. Out of all these discussions we need a recommitment to the Housing Accord at the highest level. This provides a framework under which to have a national discussion about the number of homes we need and the barriers preventing us from building them,” said Jocelyn

“It has been encouraging to see both major parties at their respective meetings talking about the need for targeted actions to boost housing supply but goodwill and commitments to do more does not get keys in doors, we need firm action.

“Clearing the significant backlog of projects stuck awaiting environmental approvals must be first order business and this could unlock hundreds of thousands of homes and needs bi-partisan support. 

“Another critical area that need targeted attention is investment for ‘last mile’ infrastructure to build the roads, sewers, energy supply and water infrastructure, getting shovel ready land to market faster.

“Skills shortages continue to be one of if not the most pressing issue faced by builders. The aspiration of the Government’s housing target will only be achieved if we have all hands on deck.”

“HIA has been encouraged by the level and depth of engagement the Government has had with industry in the lead up to the Economic Reform Roundtable which clearly demonstrates a desire to place housing high on the agenda. But we will need to see real action out of these discussions.

“Industry is now demanding that real and meaningful reform actions on the well established issues facing our sector are committed to with bipartisan support and clear timelines are agreed to and developed with industry and for industry, “Jocelyn concluded.