UNLOCKING HOUSING GROWTH IN TATIARA

Housing supply could receive a much-needed boost in the Tatiara District under an elected Coalition Government via the recently announced Housing Infrastructure Program, says Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP.

The Coalition announced the new housing policy earlier this month aimed at boosting housing supply and restoring the Australian dream of home ownership. Mr Pasin said communities such as Bordertown and Keith could benefit under the Program, fast tracking housing development and unlocking growth in the Tatiara.

An elected Coalition Government will commit $5 billion to get new housing projects moving, delivering up to 500,000 homes across the country more quickly through a mixture of grants and concessional loans.

Mr Pasin, who is also the Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, met with the Tatiara District Council recently and said that new housing supply constraints being experienced in Bordertown and Keith could be overcome through the Coalition’s proposed Housing Infrastructure Program.

“By the Federal Government stepping in to help fund critical enabling infrastructure such as wastewater services, roads, and stormwater systems we can unlock housing supply and support the growth of the Tatiara, strengthening our regional communities, ensuring they remain great places to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Pasin said.

Tatiara District Council Mayor Liz Goossens said housing had been an issue for the district for many years.

“Our economy and population have grown but housing has not grown at the same rate. Add to that an unemployment rate of below 1% for the last year, which means businesses must recruit staff from outside the district, and a rental vacancy rate of below 1% since 2019, and there simply are not enough homes for everyone.”

Mayor Goossens added that Council recognised the barrier to the district’s continued economic growth the lack of housing posed and was looking to develop residential land in Bordertown and Keith. “Our challenge is funding the significant infrastructure needed for these development – roads, kerb and channel, utilities, and upgrades to our Community Wastewater Management Scheme – with a regional council’s limited funds,” said the Mayor.