The Rockliff Liberal Government is working hard to build Tasmania’s future.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics building approvals data show Tasmania’s normalising construction sector continues to outperform the nation, with 3,226 new dwellings approved in the year to May 2023.
Treasurer, Michael Ferguson, said that means 3,226 new homes in the pipeline making housing more accessible for 3,226 Tasmanian households and families, and a strong pipeline of work for those working in our construction sector.
“The value of building approvals in the State has risen to $2.4 billion, an annual increase of 17.7 per cent, which includes an increase in non-residential construction of 38.4 per cent,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Tasmania began our post-COVID economic recovery sooner than other states, and our current economic indicators are in line with Treasury projections which forecast a normalisation from a period of exceptionally high growth. This is also reflected in our state’s housing and construction sector which experience record highs.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government continues to deliver on a wide range of varied measures designed to build more houses and make it easier for all Tasmanians to get into a safe and secure home, by:
* Delivering 10,000 new social and affordable homes and units by 2032;
* Investing $23 million into the residential land release rebate to unlock new land supply into the market;
* Extending the First Home Owners Grant for new homes; and
* Increasing housing supply with our expanded ancillary dwelling incentive program for rentals.
“We are reforming our planning system with the Tasmanian Planning Scheme now in effect in 21 local government areas and the most recent consolidated data from 2021-22 shows that our planning system is among the fastest, if not the fastest, in the country with discretionary applications being determined in a median timeframe of 38 days and permitted in 21 days.
“Through the development of the Tasmanian Planning Policies, the Greater Hobart Plan, the ongoing review of our regional land use strategies, and the structure planning that is occurring in settlements across our State, we are identifying areas appropriate for future growth and new opportunities for residential development.
“We will never lose sight of the fact that these numbers are more than just statistics, each building approved means another Tasmanian family with a roof over their head.
“We will continue to support Tasmania’s strong construction sector, and see new homes being built to increase housing supply to make housing affordable for all Tasmanians.”
