The Australian government has opened applications for the $500 million Housing Support Program, inviting state, territory, and local governments to propose projects that facilitate the planning necessary to escalate housing supply.
“Through the Housing Support Program, we’ll be helping to turbocharge planning so we can deliver more homes for more Australians,” said Catherine King MP, minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development, and local government.
The $500m Housing Support Program is divided into two streams. The first will focus on projects that enhance planning workforce capabilities and streamline planning systems to expedite the start of housing construction.
This includes creating new entry routes for planners and related professions, as well as developing tools to enhance planning systems and decision-making efficiency. The projects may explore resource sharing among local governments or promote master planning and planning reform efforts.
All projects under this stream are required to show alignment with the National Cabinet’s National Planning Reform Blueprint, focus on planning for disaster resilience, and support the objectives of the National Housing Accord. This accord, agreed upon with states and territories, aims to construct 1.2 million new, strategically located homes within five years, starting from July 1.
The envisioned homes aim to be situated near employment opportunities, educational institutions, transportation, and other essential amenities.
Additionally, the Commonwealth has pledged $3 billion towards the New Homes Bonus to augment housing supply, alongside federal funds allocated for the creation of 40,000 new affordable rental properties.
Stream 2 of the program will allocate funds for projects aimed at delivering essential infrastructure and amenities, like footpaths, roads, and parks, to facilitate new housing developments.
Stream 1 applications for the $500m Housing Support Program are set to open on March 27, and will remain open until 12 pm AEST on April 29. The second stream will open applications in May.
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the program’s launch, with CEO Mike Zorbas (pictured above left) suggesting that doubling the program’s funding could significantly contribute to achieving the national housing goal.
“We have to do everything we can to reach the national housing goal. We simply cannot afford another swing and a miss,” Zorbas said.
Julie Collins (pictured above right), minister for housing, homelessness, and small business, encouraged all councils and state and territory governments to participate.
“Our government has a broad and ambitious housing agenda to help address Australia’s housing challenges, and the Housing Support Program is a critical part of that agenda,” Collins said, stressing the importance of collective efforts to accelerate housing availability across Australia.
For the government media release, click here. Visit Housing Support Program for further information.
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