The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the federal government’s recent commitment to bring forward $3.8 billion in infrastructure spending, as well as to cut through the “red tape” that hinders the progress of infrastructure projects.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the commitment earlier in the week as part of the federal government’s effort to reinforce the country’s economy. The $3.8 billion figure is expected to cover a four-year period, with about $1.78 billion to be earmarked for the first 18 months, according to a news.com.au report.
HIA said that infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, are “vital to growing and maintaining housing supply in Australia.”
“HIA has long argued for the removal of red tape in planning approval processes. It is important
that this has been recognised as a priority by the government,” said Kristin Brookfield, chief executive industry policy at HIA. “The overlap between commonwealth, state and local government in this space continues to frustrate many projects, adding time, confusion and cost.”
Brookfield said that demand for housing in Australia remained strong due to “ongoing population growth” and that any productivity reforms the Government can implement to increase supply are welcome.
“Supporting the housing industry to deliver homes in a timely and affordable way is essential to
address the home ownership aspirations of first home buyers, to create jobs and to support a
healthy Australian economy,” said Brookfield. “HIA looks forward to working with the government to examine other ways to increase productivity to support housing supply and to taking a leadership role in monitoring the pipeline of residential land and housing across the nation.”
