The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) says a more coordinated and collaborative approach across all levels of government is the key to addressing Australia’s affordable housing crisis.
Ahead of this week’s National Cabinet meeting, ALGA President, City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott said new land releases alone were not the solution to boosting affordable housing supply.
“It’s vital that we invest in building more liveable and sustainable communities for future generations,” said President Scott.
“That’s why we need all levels of government working together to coordinate, fund and build the physical and social infrastructure all Australians need – roads, parks, libraries, local services, schools, and hospitals.”
President Scott said councils also needed better support to facilitate more housing.
“There’s a lot more councils can do to help solve Australia’s affordability housing crisis, with the right support, funding partnership and proper regulations in place.”
“Many councils are already investing in innovative affordable housing solutions tailored to our local communities, but ALGA continues to advocate for at least $100 million per year fund to support us to play a more significant role in addressing Australia’s affordable housing crisis.
“Local governments need to see Federal Financial Assistance Grants restored to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, to help us invest in building safer, stronger and healthier communities in a financially sustainable way.”
She also reinforced the importance of planning decisions being made locally.
“As the closest level of government to our communities, councils intimately know and understand what our communities need, especially of the need for increased affordable housing.”
“There’s no evidence to show that removing planning powers from councils is delivering more affordable housing.
“We know we get much better housing outcomes in our cities, towns and regions when decisions are made locally.”
