Page 3581 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 22 November 2022
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They were understanding of our needs and tried to find us something very suitable, even though I had some special and unusual requests. We have now moved into much more suitable accommodation for our age group.
Along with these great outcomes, the program faces some ongoing challenges. Demand in the construction industry is at record highs, and the supply of materials and labour is volatile. These are having a significant impact on the program. These challenges are likely to keep pressure on the construction industry for some time. In addition, the continued La Nina weather patterns are compounding construction delays, with extra days lost to rain.
What this means for the program is that construction timeframes have increased considerably since its commencement. Since July 2019, the average construction timeframe has almost doubled. There is evidence that this is the experience everywhere, of every state and territory across the nation. As a result of these impacts, while constructions would be under contract and under construction or in progress by 2024-25, physical delivery of dwellings will continue over the next two years until 2026-27.
Housing ACT is working closely with builders to make every effort to accelerate the process where possible. This includes bringing forward design, DA and other works required before construction commences, and builders erecting roofs before brickworks and windows go in without frames so that other work can commence when glazing is not available. Whilst this does not solve the ongoing national supply and weather issues, it demonstrates the flexibility and innovation being applied to the whole program to get it done. This program is of the highest priority and every effort is being made to deliver it as quickly as possible, but the unprecedented high demand for residential construction across Australia is having a significant impact on labour and supply shortages, which will not be resolved in the short term.
The ACT government continues to work closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to support culturally appropriate public and community housing options and support programs, including three older-person complexes. The third, Ningulangu, meaning “belonging to home or place”, was officially opened in February this year. I have been encouraged by the increasing participation in the Affordable Community Housing Land Tax Exemption program, which has now reached a milestone of over 100 properties, and continues to provide safe and secure as well as affordable homes for hundreds of Canberrans. I continue to be ambitious about reaching the program’s aim of 250 properties, and the ACT government has recently commenced a promotional campaign to increase awareness and encourage greater participation. I also encourage landlords with spare properties to get involved and participate in the program.
Additionally, the Affordable Home Purchase Scheme continues to provide opportunities across Canberra for eligible buyers to purchase a new home, with more than 5,500 people having signed up to hear what is on offer. More than 180 affordable house and land packages in Whitlam and Taylor have successfully been sold, and construction of these homes has commenced. A range of housing types, including apartments and townhouses of varying sizes, continue to be offered through
this initiative.
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