Public housing boost welcome but Budget must unlock broader housing delivery
The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the ACT Government’s new investment in public and affordable housing ahead of next week’s Budget but warned that broader policy changes will determine whether Canberra can meet its full housing challenge.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the announcement of a new Public Housing Pipeline program and investment in repairs and maintenance was an important step in supporting the Territory’s most vulnerable residents.
“Safe, stable housing is critical for strong communities and a productive economy, and it’s positive to see a renewed focus on expanding and maintaining the public housing portfolio,” Ms Berry said.
“The scale of housing need in the ACT means we need action across every part of the system – and today’s announcement is just one part of that broader picture.”
Ms Berry said the hybrid delivery model and support for community housing providers reflected a more flexible approach to delivering new homes, particularly helpful in a challenging construction environment.
“With construction costs and financing pressures still elevated, delivery models that work with the market and help projects stack up are essential,” she said.
However, Ms Berry said next week’s ACT Budget will be critical in determining whether housing momentum can be sustained across the broader market.
“The ACT might be theoretically on track to meet its housing targets, but that progress is not guaranteed and the drop in ABS Building Approvals in April gives cause for concern about the pipeline,” she said.
“What happens in next week’s Budget on costs, land release, infrastructure and planning will directly shape how many homes actually get built over the next five years.”
Ms Berry said delivering social and affordable housing at scale depended on a strong and functioning private housing pipeline, with feasibility remaining a key constraint.
“You can’t deliver more affordable and social housing without a healthy broader market.
“That means keeping taxes, fees and charges in check, ensuring timely land release and infrastructure, and reducing delays in the planning system to help restore feasibility and maintain industry confidence so more approved projects can move to construction.
“The Government’s ambition is to be commended – but delivery depends on whether projects are viable and can get out of the ground,” she said.
