The Residential Development Council (RDC) echoes the views of Federal Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek who, at a Property Council of Australia lunch in Brisbane today, recognised the challenges ahead in delivering homes and infrastructure for our growing population.
Caryn Kakas, executive director of the RDC, reconfirms that government at all levels need to refocus on the future of our cities to prepare to accommodate a population that will grow from 22 million to 36 million by 2050.
“Governments have struggled to address growth in cities and we have seen a failure in the delivery of strategic long term plans,” Ms Kakas said.
“Preparing for growth means redressing this failure by renewing our support for smarter density, enabling strategic plans to deliver a range of housing choices and cutting down the time for development assessment.
“There can be no more excuses for approval timetables to blow out by up to 15 years. Systems need to be streamlined, and the planning reforms being directed through COAG are only the first step in this process.”
Ms Kakas said that while Australia is crying out for more homes, more roads, more rail lines, more hospitals and more schools, Australians are also crying out for a range of affordable housing choices.
“The National Housing Supply Council reports that demand for smaller dwellings will increase, both as a result of the boost in smaller households and because of changes in life preferences,” Ms Kakas said.
“This is no surprise to the industry which has already begun to shift its dwelling supply to accommodate.
“However, this can not be done without the government’s support. With the changes in demographics, we are seeing a need for new dwelling types which are often met with trepidation by the public and by governments across the country.
“We are currently experiencing the biggest shortage of every type of housing – from apartments to attached and detached houses. We need to supply all housing types to ensure there is a range of affordable options which match up to the current and increasing demand.
“The industry needs to continue to be supported by governments to allow for certainty in delivering the housing of our future,” Ms Kakas said.
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Media Contacts:
Caryn Kakas, Executive Director, Residential Development Council on 0404 257 540 or ckakas@propertyoz.com.au; or
Kate Ellis Welsh, PR & Communications Manager, Residential Development Council on 0438 760 206 or kelliswelsh@propertyoz.com.au
