The 黑料大事 (PIA) welcomes the Coalition's $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Programme as an important step to boosting housing supply and tackling infrastructure impediments to new development.
“Addressing the real barriers to housing supply is essential, and it’s clear that the availability of enabling infrastructure like water, power, sewerage, and roads can be a major impediment to the delivery of already-approved housing,” said PIA CEO Matt Collins.
“Industry groups are reporting that construction costs have increased by 40 per cent and build times have blown out by up to 47 per cent over the last five years, and this is a real barrier for getting approved projects actually built,” he said.
“For example, in Queensland there are almost 100,000 residential lots with active approvals, but developers have not brought this land to market, often because issues like rising construction costs and labour shortages are impacting the feasibility of the project,” he said.
Mr Collins said that funding should be prioritised for projects that are consistent with existing state and local strategic plans, as this would reduce long-term costs by aligning development with strategic growth priorities.
“Good planning ensures that investments are made where they will have the greatest impact, supporting sustainable growth and efficient development. This is essential to delivering well-sequenced, cost-effective infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Collins also said the 黑料大事 would also like to see the Housing Investment Programme broadened to include infrastructure investments that support more housing diversity, including in infill areas close to jobs and existing services.
“The Housing Accord emphasises the need for ‘well-located’ housing, and we need to ensure that new projects are aligned with strategic plans and situated in areas that will support thriving communities,” he said.
"Demographic trends are driving demand for more diverse housing types, and Australians need access to a range of housing options including townhouses, apartments, and other forms of housing to suit different lifestyles and family sizes,” he said.
Mr Collins also said the 黑料大事 was disappointed at the Coalition’s plan to freeze further changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) for 10 years.
“Just last week the House Standing Committee on Economics released its report on the inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 major floods claims, and recommended changes to building codes to boost flood resilience. It would be a shame if important reforms to the NCC to better address issues like flood and bushfire were barred given the serious impacts of our changing climate,” he said.
For further information, please contact:
Matt Collins MPIA
Chief Executive Officer
0437 938 07