The Property Council of Australia welcomes the LNP’s recognition of the importance of the property sector in driving Queensland’s economy, as outlined in the LNP’s Property and Construction Strategy released today.
Over 450 members of the property industry attended a Property Council breakfast in Brisbane this morning to hear LNP Leader Campbell Newman’s plan to drive economic growth in the property sector, Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Kathy Mac Dermott says.
“With the property sector the state’s largest employer, directly accounting for 280,000 jobs, it is imperative that the Government has a cohesive and coordinated strategy to drive the growth of the industry.”
“Our sector continues to face many challenges including the protracted fall out from the GFC and international economic volatility. We need commitments from both sides of politics to drive a sustained recovery.”
“The LNP’s Property and Construction Strategy not only recognises the importance of the sector to Queensland, but also commits the LNP to important structural changes and policy outcomes should they win government at the next election.”
“In particular the commitment to establish a property and construction Cabinet Committee under the Treasurer enshrines the importance of the industry within the Government structure and will ensure a coordinated Government focus on the needs of the property sector.”
“Similarly, the identification of an industry ‘go to’ person within government will mean our members are better placed to navigate the often confusing bureaucratic structure of the State Government.”
“Since the Building Revival Forum in April last year, the industry has been calling for a moratorium on State Planning Policies (SPPs). The LNP’s commitment to engaging with the industry in the development of SPPs and minimising their future use is certainly a step in the right direction.”
“The impending introduction of the Queensland Coastal Plan SPP remains the most critical issue for the property industry, and the LNP’s commitment to revisit it in partnership with industry and local government is an important signal to the industry.”
“Our industry is reliant on planning and development assessment processes and we commend the LNP’s commitment to improve efficiency at both the local and State levels.”
“Importantly many of the key issues identified in the LNP’s strategy cannot be tackled overnight. The Property Council will be continuing our work with both sides of politics to improve housing affordability, increase competitiveness and ensure a sustainable future for our state.”
“Until there is the political will to make the changes needed to allow our sector to turn the corner, Queensland
will remain at the back of the pack.”
“We need to restore Queensland’s competitiveness and investor confidence; the urgency is now.”
