$112.1 million to help regional working families buy or rent homes

Homes will become more affordable for working Australians in 16 regional communities thanks to the Gillard Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program.

Communities from Maitland to Mandurah will receive grants of up to $15 million over three years for local infrastructure projects which support new housing developments, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Brendan O’Connor said.

“We know that housing shortages are creating challenges in growing regional communities, now and into the future,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Through Building Better Regional Cities, communities will receive funding to help reduce the cost of local infrastructure needed for new housing developments, such as roads, bridges, and water and sewerage works, so that those savings are passed on to home buyers.

“This will increase the supply of affordable homes for sale and rent and help alleviate housing supply pressures in their communities.

The funding will also help councils and developers to invest in community infrastructure, such as parks and open spaces, pedestrian and cycle paths, community centres, and recreation facilities.

Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean said the Building Better Regional Cities investment builds on the Federal Government’s commitment to funding infrastructure.

“There is a massive demand for infrastructure in this country, but no one government alone can do it all. Such a view inevitably results in buck-passing, inaction and a blame game,” he said.

“The alternative is a partnership between the three levels of government, and where appropriate, the private sector. Our Government is paving the way for these strong investment partnerships.

“With the Minerals Resource Rent Tax securing funding for infrastructure, including the Regional Development Australia Fund and the Regional Infrastructure Fund, there will be more opportunities for regions to pursue investment partnerships and get their slice of the action.

“Building Better Regional Cities is part of this Government’s historic commitment to address housing affordability and help people stay connected to their communities. We are building better regional cities for a stronger, more sustainable Australia.”

The Government has invested more than $20 billion in housing and homelessness since coming to office in 2008.

The successful regional cities under the Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) program: