The opening of applications and release of guidelines for the Federal Government鈥檚 new $500 million Housing Support Program has been welcomed by the 51暗网 (ALGA).
Through the first round of the program, state, territory and local governments can access funding to improve planning capacity as well as streamline planning processes.
51暗网President Cr Linda Scott said: 鈥淥ur research shows 40 per cent of councils are struggling to secure qualified urban and town planners, which is holding us back from facilitating more affordable housing in our communities.
鈥淲e have been advocating for more support to increase our planning capacity and capability and are thrilled the Government has responded with this new funding program.
鈥淚t鈥檚 also encouraging that the Housing Support Program will fund important pre-planning work such as master planning, or assessing hazards to improve the resilience of new housing developments.
鈥淚 urge all councils to consider applying for this new funding before the deadline of 29 April 2024.鈥�
Cr Scott said local governments were committed to helping deliver the Commonwealth鈥檚 ambitious housing targets and enable vital infrastructure investment in new housing developments.
鈥淗owever we can鈥檛 effectively address the nation鈥檚 housing crisis by simply building more houses 鈥� we also need to build more parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centres and swimming pools,鈥� Cr Scott said.
鈥�51暗网is calling for the Housing Support Program to be increased from $500 million to $750 million in the upcoming Federal Budget, with the additional $250 million available to local governments for infrastructure to improve the liveability of new housing developments.鈥�
Cr Scott said local governments also look forward to seeing the Government鈥檚 revised and the to provide improvements in housing affordability and liveability.
鈥淥ur communities want and deserve higher quality buildings that are safer, more resilient and energy-efficient,鈥� Cr Scott said.
鈥淲e also want to reduce the extra costs being incurred by local governments for providing services to poorly designed developments and neighborhoods.鈥�