Governments unite to improve housing affordability in Perth

Affordable housing was top of the agenda when Tanya Plibersek, visited Perth’s eastern suburbs with Hasluck MP Sharryn Jackson and local mayors today.

Ms Plibersek visited the Maddington Town Centre revitalisation, a cooperative project between the Western Australian State Government and Gosnells Council that will build social and economic participation in the community.

Mayors and other senior representatives from six Growth Councils also briefed Ms Plibersek on their efforts to improve housing affordability.

Ms Plibersek said: “The Rudd Government’s first Budget in May included $2.2 billion worth of new housing programs – the first Budget in many years to include serious housing reform agenda.

“It is great that the State Government and local councils in Perth are also implementing creative new projects that will help to improve housing affordability.

“Like many local councils around Australia, the mayors I met with today are developing their applications for funding under the $512 million Housing Affordability Fund.

“This important initiative encourages all levels of government to work together to make housing more affordable by reducing the impact of holding costs and infrastructure charges on the price of new homes.”

Ms Jackson said: “The Rudd Government has delivered on its election commitments to establish new programs to help improve housing affordability.

“I am pleased that the Government is making such a big investment in housing to help make it easier for people in my community to buy a home in the future.”

The Housing Affordability Fund will target green-field and in-fill developments where high dwelling demand exists or is forecast for the next five years.

The Fund will be distributed by direct grants, primarily to local governments, but also to local government associations and State or Territory Governments, through a competitive selection process.

For further information, visit Housing Affordability Fund (HAF).