The Coalition has announced a new housing policy that could unlock developments like the North Lismore Plateau, Summerland Estate in Casino, and the site at Junction Hill in Grafton.
Under the Albanese Labor Government, the great Australian dream of home ownership has never felt further out of reach.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Coalition’s new housing policies have the potential to boost our local housing supply.
“I have always said that local councils are most important body to address the housing crisis,” Mr Hogan said.
“We have consulted with councils across the nation, and it is clear that one of the major impediments to new housing projects is the lack of funding for critical enabling infrastructure.”
“It is not the usual role of the Federal Government to fund enabling infrastructure like water, power, sewerage, and access roads. However if elected, the Coalition will, on a time-limited basis, invest in shovel-ready infrastructure through a new Housing Infrastructure Programme (HIP).”
“The cheapest form of housing for first home buyers is detached housing with backyards and our Housing Infrastructure Programme will be a catalyst for exactly this – new greenfield housing developments.”
“This funding will be offered on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis. This means if there is no progress on successful projects within 12 months of contracting, then the funding will be terminated.”
“Under Labor, building approvals have fallen to their lowest level in over a decade, dropping 8.8 per cent to just 158,690 new starts in 2023-24. Simultaneously, the Government has brought in more than one million migrants in their first two years in office, while only 350,000 homes have been constructed in that time.”
“That’s why the Coalition’s Housing Infrastructure Programme is essential. It will have a significant impact in unlocking new projects or bringing forward projects that might otherwise be delayed for years.”
This announcement sits alongside the Coalition’s already-announced commitments to bring down demand and free up supply by reducing migration, our two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents purchasing existing homes in Australia, and capping the number of overseas students. These changes will free up over 100,000 homes for Australians over five years.
At the same time, the Coalition will work with the building and construction industry to ensure there are enough skilled and temporary skilled visas for those with essential skills to support our local tradies to build the homes we need.
