The ACT Property Council today welcomed the newly elected ACT Government, calling for an urgent focus on delivering key commitments related to housing and property.
With the housing crisis and development critical to the future growth of the ACT, the Property Council urged the Government to expedite its agenda to provide Canberrans with the homes and infrastructure they need.
Property Council ACT and Capital Region Executive Director, Ashlee Berry, said the industry was eager to work collaboratively with the Government but emphasised the need to accelerate progress on housing supply, planning reforms, and infrastructure delivery.
"We congratulate the new Government and look forward to working with all elected members, regardless of the final makeup of the Assembly, to ensure the ACT continues to grow sustainably," Ms Berry said.
"The commitments made during the election campaign, particularly around increasing housing supply and improving the planning system, need to be turned into action without delay," she said.
During the election campaign, key pledges were made to:
- Increase housing supply by unlocking land and expediting approval processes to meet demand.
- Implement planning system reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and providing greater certainty to the development industry.
- Invest in infrastructure to support housing growth and urban development, including transport and social infrastructure.
The Property Council has called for these commitments to be expedited, and identified further priorities:
- Housing Supply: Fast-track land release, re-zoning, and approval processes to address the chronic housing shortage, with a particular focus on affordable and missing middle housing options.
- Planning Reforms: Ensure the promised reforms streamline the system and reduce delays that currently hinder development and uncreate uncertainty for investors.
- Infrastructure Delivery: Allocate funding and deliver critical infrastructure projects to support the sustainable growth of the ACT.
- Tax and Charges Review: Reform development-related taxes and charges to remove barriers to investment and encourage the delivery of new homes.
"The property sector is a key driver of jobs, economic growth, and community development in the ACT. The Government now has an urgent mandate to tackle the housing crisis head-on and support the ACT's future growth.
"We stand ready to work in partnership to deliver on this shared vision, so that these priorities are realised for the benefit of the ACT's residents and economy," Ms Berry said.
