Two years on from a significant housing policy, the Urban Development Institute of Australia, Victoria has called on the Government to complete the work with more reforms.

UDIA Victoria CEO Linda Allison acknowledged progress in elements of the Housing Statement such as planning improvements but urges the Government to commit to meaningful tax reform to reduce holding costs, boost confidence in investors and ease feasibility pressures.

“The Government has delivered on several elements of the Housing Statement, but there are glaring omissions that are holding back housing supply. Government needs to work with industry to reposition Victoria as the leading state to invest, work and live.” said Ms Allison.

UDIA Victoria is a signatory to the Housing Affordability Partnership that was established following the release of the Housing Statement. At the time, UDIA declared that there was a missing chapter in the Statement: tax reform, and that industry was still waiting for Government to come to the table.

“We remain committed to the Housing Affordability Partnership. It is appropriate that government and industry alike reflect on the progress and call out areas for improvement,” said Ms Allison.

Of the key initiatives to the development industry, several are on track, reflecting recent industry consultation on proposed changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the take up by industry of the Development Facilitation Program. However, many have stalled or remain undelivered.

Among the worst-performing is the commitment to ‘provide quicker water connections’ in greenfield areas. Along with property taxation and developer contributions, utility authority delays are still a leading cause of delays in housing delivery.

Government also wants to build more homes in existing suburbs. However, two years on, over half of all new dwellings approved are in newer suburbs.

“Victorian’s want to live in these newer suburbs because of the affordability and lifestyle they provide, but the Government has failed to invest in the essential services, amenities and infrastructure to support these communities.” said Ms Allison.

UDIA is calling on the State Government to continue to address planning red tape, release long-promised infrastructure funding, and commit to property tax reform to meet the needs of Victoria’s growing population.

“Planning reform alone won’t solve this crisis, supply measures and support for industry are urgently required.” said Ms Allison.

-ENDS-

Download the media release here.

MEDIA CONTACTS AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Linda Allison | CEO
ceo@udiavic.com.au