Report calls for more housing diversity, urban infill

12 December 2017

WA Government: Western Australia's housing construction activity will remain flat this financial year, but conditions are forecast to pick up from 2018-19, according to a leading industry report.

Housing Minister Peter Tinley officially launched the Housing Industry Forecasting Group's (HIFG) 2017-18 report at an industry function yesterday (November 30).

The HIFG provides government and industry with independent assessments and forecasts of the outlook for housing starts in WA.

According to the report, the property market has been in a cyclical downswing for the past few years and there remains a significant shortage of affordable housing for Western Australians on low incomes.

The report also noted that a lack of diversity in Perth housing stock remains a challenge and that there is an unmet demand for medium-density developments.

The HIFG is a joint industry and government body comprised of representatives from a diverse range including the Real Estate Institute of WA, the Housing Industry Association, the Master Builders Association, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WA), the Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA) the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Curtin University, Property Council, Landgate, Landcorp, the MRA and Bankwest.

The departments of Communities; Planning, Lands and Heritage; the Premier and Cabinet; and Treasury, as well as the Water Corporation are also represented on the HIFG.

For a copy of the full report, visit http://www.hifg.net.au

Comments attributed to Housing Minister Peter Tinley:

"The HIFG's latest report highlights the ongoing challenge posed by the lack of diversity in Perth's housing stock. The report also shows a clear demand for well located, medium-density housing.

"The McGowan Government is well aware of these issues and its METRONET vision is designed to play an integral part in responding to the challenges of diversity and affordability.

"METRONET is the long-term blueprint to connect our suburbs, reduce road congestion and meet Perth's future planning needs, while providing 10,000 jobs and training places for people in WA.

"Through agencies such as Landcorp, the Department of Communities and Keystart, the State Government has a track record in leading, partnering and supporting innovative developments that demonstrate new approaches to meeting the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse community.

"The delivery of infill housing - in a variety of built forms and key locations - is pivotal in meeting this challenge.

"The HIFG is a great example of industry and government collaboration, and we will continue to work with the broader housing industry to improve the lives of Western Australians."

 

--ENDS--

 

Source:  Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Contact: Minister's office - 6552 5300

External Links:  N/A

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