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The first stage of the most comprehensive overhaul of housing in the Territory’s history was announced today –  with a focus on providing more affordable housing.

 

The Chief Minister Paul Henderson said the Housing the Territory framework will mean more houses, at a more affordable price for Territorians to buy or to rent.

 

“This initiative will deliver more land, put more new properties on the market and reform public housing,” he said.

 

“We face big challenges in housing – more people are choosing to share our unique lifestyle; the Territory is delivering economic prosperity despite the current economic climate; and years of under-investment in remote communities have all led to increased housing pressures.

 

“High demand is leading to high prices as availability dries up. The housing system is currently out of balance.

 

“Housing the Territory is a comprehensive package of initiatives aimed at getting the balance right.”

 

The Housing Minister Rob Knight said Housing the Territory has four elements:

 

Land to Grow that will provide space for Territorians to live

 

• A 20-year land release program across the Territory

 

• An accelerated land release program containing new approaches including:

 

Ø      Longer-term planning for headworks

Ø      Parallel processing of approvals and design

Ø      Auction of subdivisions with design and development approvals in place

Ø      Lots available off the plan

 

New Places to Buy to help Territorians get into their first home

 

• The Territory Government is expanding the role of the Land Development Corporation to residential and affordable housing development across the Territory. 

 

 

New Places to Rent designed to grow the rental market for those Territorians who can’t afford to buy

 

• A new non-government Affordable Housing Rental Company will be established to provide quality and affordable rental to medium and low income earners and fill the gap between the public and private housing markets.

 

• The first major re-development of housing stock for the Affordable Housing Rental Company will be up to 200 units at Parap Gateway. The redevelopment will be a mixture of public housing and private units for low-to-middle income earners.

 

New Public Housing to expand the number of public houses and reform the way public housing is delivered

 

• A wide-ranging review into public housing is underway. The review will include the type of public housing provided; the option of non-government public housing management; and expanding the private sector’s role in social and needs-based housing

 

• Transitional housing will be offered to clients to prepare them for living in an urban centre. Intense urban living skills will be taught to those who have never lived in an urban setting before.

 

• With an ageing population, there will be a greater focus on seniors’ housing. A new seniors’ village has been announced at Bellamack and part of the redevelopment of the Parap Gateway units will be for seniors

 

• More short-term accommodation will also be a focus to accommodate Territorians who are travelling to urban centres for reasons such as medical treatment

 

• Almost $700m is being spent across the Territory in the joint SIHIP program with the Australian Government to provide new and upgraded housing in the bush

 

Mr Henderson said the Housing the Territory initiative will deliver better, more affordable and appropriate housing for Territorians.

 

“The new framework is the first step in a new and different approach to delivering quality and affordable housing and rental properties in the Territory.

 

“We will continue to expand on this very important first phase.”

 

 

 

Media contacts:

 

Geoff Fraser (Chief Minister) 0407 360256

Katie Woolf (Minister Knight) 0420 972505

 

Related files:
090304 Housing the Territory.pdf ( 718.6 kb )