Victoria's
expanding population combined with housing affordability will continue to grow
demand for housing and the development of new housing projects in the outer suburbs
of Melbourne, the Urban Development Institute of Australia (Victoria) said today.
Tony De Domenico, Executive
Director of the UDIA (VIC) said, "Given the high cost of land, housing and
apartments in many suburban areas, new developments play the major role in providing
affordable housing for families wanting a detached home and space to raise a family."
"Academics and other
groups who constantly attack the provision for housing in fringe areas conveniently
overlook the fact that many families cannot afford a million dollars plus for
a terrace home in Carlton or Fitzroy and also fail to recognise the quality lifestyle
housing projects being provided.".
Mr De Domenico said "With Victoria's population
rising 1.7% in the twelve months to September 2012 and the State attracting 94,800
new residents, it is important for the Victorian Government and the development
industry to plan ahead for demand."*
"The increase in population
will also help increase and drive the economic and employment contribution to
Victoria's bottom-line at a time when the State is desperate to create more employment
and stimulate small business."
The Victorian development
industry employs around 310,000 full time employees, contributes around 12 per
cent of the state's gross product and contributes $4.6 billion in taxes to all
tiers of government.
Mr. De Domenico said,
"The ongoing reform of the planning system by the Victorian Government
to cut red tape and provide more certainty has been fundamental in providing a
wider range of housing options including apartments, townhouses and detached houses
in a range of areas from inner urban to new outer suburbs."
"The regional areas of
Victoria such as Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and many coastal areas will also play
a role in providing new areas of housing as people look for lifestyle changes
and also new opportunities for employment."
Mr. De Domenico said the major
challenge for the Victorian Government is to overcome the cuts to Victoria's share
of the GST by the Federal Government and budget for the provision of transport
infrastructure and stimulate permanent employment in the areas close to new housing
projects.
*Source: Australian Bureau
of Statistics
Media
Enquiries:
Ron
Smith, Corporate Media Communications, UDIA (VIC) - Mobile: 0417 329 201
