The great Australian dream of home ownership could become reality for more in the Coorong and Murraylands through the Coalition’s proposed Housing Infrastructure Programme, says Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP.
The Coalition announced the new housing policy earlier this month aimed at boosting housing supply and restoring the Australian dream of home ownership. Mr Pasin said communities in the Coorong and Murraylands would benefit under the Programme, unlocking growth in the region.
An elected Coalition Government will commit $5 billion to get new housing projects moving, delivering up to 500,000 homes across the country more quickly through a mixture of grants and concessional loans.
Mr Pasin, who is also the Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, met with the Coorong District Council recently and said that new housing supply constraints being experienced in Tailem Bend and Wellington East could be overcome through the Coalition’s proposed Housing Infrastructure Programme.
“Tailem Bend and Wellington East are seen as excellent locations for housing developments due to the proximity to Adelaide and the recent growth of Mount Barker and Murray Bridge housing markets,” Mr Pasin said.
“By Federal Government stepping in to help fund critical enabling infrastructure we can unlock housing supply and support the growth of the Murraylands and Coorong, strengthening our regional communities, ensuring they remain great places to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Pasin said.
Coorong District Council Mayor, Paul Simmons, said that tackling housing supply required cooperation between all levels of government and industry.
“In order to meet housing targets and provide affordable options for home buyers, it is imperative all levels of government and the private sector work together,” Mayor Simmons said.
“Assistance from Federal and State Governments for key housing related infrastructure such as wastewater services, roads, and stormwater systems, will not only enable more land to be available for housing, but also enhance our Council’s ability to plan orderly and economic expansion of towns currently experiencing strong demand for growth.”
“Coorong District Council is an attractive choice for affordable housing in relatively close proximity to Adelaide. The towns of Tailem Bend and Wellington East in particular, can double in population, if essential infrastructure provisions are met,” said the Mayor.
Mr Pasin noted that under the Labor Government, 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 had brought in more than one million migrants in their first two years in office, while only 350,000 homes had been constructed in that time.
The Coalition has previously announced commitments to bring down demand and free up supply by reducing migration, a 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.
“Our policy will boost housing supply, encourage young families into homes which will strengthening communities and get our nation Back on Track,” Mr Pasin said.
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