The Residential Development Council (RDC) said the Australian Government’s National Housing Supply Council - State of Supply Report 2011 confirms what the industry has long known – that there is an ever-widening gap between the demand for homes and the number of being delivered.
Caryn Kakas, Executive Director, Residential Development Council, said the report found that there is a projected housing shortfall of 215,000 dwellings nationally and growing.
“The report identifies major gaps between the demand for homes and the available supply with the disparity being particularly pronounced in NSW and Queensland.
“This is the result of a significant number of barriers impeding the housing market. These include record levels of development taxes and charges, inefficient planning systems and the failure of governments to deliver linking hard and soft infrastructure to new communities,” she said.
“The gap between supply and demand is projected to rise to 640,000 homes over the next twenty years. If we want to ensure this is not the future of housing in Australia, the tipping point for action is now.
“Solutions include investing more funds into successful programs, such as NRAS, that specifically target the supply of homes to low and moderate income earners. We also must undertake a long overdue, radical reform of the planning system to give the industry and the broader community greater certainty. At the same time, we need to ensure that funding for infrastructure is shared equitably rather than burdening just once market segment,” she said.
“Crucial to successfully tackling Australia’s housing supply problems is a holistic, integrated approach from all levels of Government to support the delivery of new homes. The Federal Government’s involvement must be matched by leadership from the States and Territories to support a more affordable future. ”
“The release of this report could not have come at a better time for the newly appointed Minister for Housing, the Honourable Robert McClelland. It provides a clear picture of the issues facing the sector that are hampering its ability to supply housing.
“It is vital, if we are to build a strong economy and meet the housing demands of our growing population, that the obstacles to delivering new housing are removed,” said Ms Kakas.
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Media Contacts:
Caryn Kakas, Executive Director, Residential Development Council on 0404 257 540 or ckakas@propertyoz.com.au; or
Emma Clark, PR & Communications Manager, Residential Development Council on
0428 950 866 or eclark@propertyoz.com.au
