Labor are promising a “fresh start” for Tasmania’s housing sector, targeting planning bottlenecks that they say have seen construction timeframes blow out by nearly 50% under the current government.
According to Labor, housing approvals have fallen to their lowest level since 2016, with the Housing Industry Association’s latest Housing Scorecard ranking Tasmania at the bottom nationally for new housing builds.
“Under the Liberals, the average time taken to build a house in Tasmania has increased by nearly 50 per cent,” Labor Leader Dean Winter said.
“There are simply too many delays, too much red tape, and too many unnecessary hurdles to jump over.”
The opposition has pledged to work with builders and planners to halve development rules as part of its proposed reforms.
Initial steps would include releasing monthly planning dashboards comparing council performance on approvals, removing unnecessary complications, reviewing the appeals process, and simplifying development application requirements.
Meanwhile the Liberals say they are unlocking more land for new homes by increasing urban growth boundaries.
“Every single Tasmanian, irrespective of circumstance, has that fundamental right to be safe, secure and have a roof over their heads. That’s why we’ve got a very clear plan delivering on [a] plan for 10,000 homes by 2032,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
