The Australian Bureau of Statistics
has released figures which reveal Melbourne dominated Australia's population growth
adding 77, 242 people in 2011-2012, with Melbourne's population hitting almost
4.25 million.
Executive Director of the
UDIA (VIC), Tony De Domenico said, "The combined pressure of population growth
and housing affordability has continued to consolidate housing projects on the
fringe suburbs of Melbourne which are becoming increasingly popular with families
because of the space and facilities they offer."
"The current perception
of many that living on the fringe presents a second class housing choice is being
challenged as many people choose to live in these areas for lifestyle or employment
reasons."
Stockland
Development Pty Ltd won the Master Planned Development Award in the UDIA
National Awards for Excellence for the Highlands project at Craigieburn.
Mr De Domenico said, "New
housing developments are offering not only a home with a backyard, which is still
an important part of the great Australian Dream for many people, but also
a wide range of facilities ranging from extensive parks, walking and cycling paths
to community centres."
"The
release of the ABS population figures, which show the Cities of Wyndham, Whittlesea,
Casey and Melton were the highest for population increases, supports the recent
decision by the Victorian Treasurer Michael O'Brien, to limit the First Home Buyers
Grant to new buildings to stimulate the industry and create employment."
"The property industry
in Victoria directly employs around 310,000 full time employees, contributes around
12 per cent of the state's gross domestic product and $4.6 billion in taxes to
all tiers of government."
Mr De Domenico said that the
management of increased population for Victoria is seeing major development growth
in regional areas such as Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and coastal areas which will
help spread the population.
"The mix of housing choice
in new housing projects is also changing with a mix of detached homes of all sizes
to terrace style homes and apartments."
"Currently there has
never been a better time to purchase a new home with interest rates at an historical
low, the industry has a wide range of stock at competitive prices and the First
Home Buyers Grant is available from 1 July in Victoria."
"The population pressure
does not come without the challenges to provide infrastructure and the UDIA has
been urging Governments to introduce Government backed Infrastructure bonds to
put Australian savings to work," Mr De Domenico added.
Media
Enquiries:
Ron
Smith, Corporate Media Communications, UDIA (VIC) - Mobile: 0417 329 201
