The Quarterly Housing Report released today shows that the Hodgman Liberal Government is on track to assist over 1,600 additional households by June 2019, including new supply of 941 affordable lots and homes.
We have been working hard to address housing stress through our Affordable Housing Strategy to alleviate pressures felt by Tasmanians, and the report shows we are well on track to deliver targets identified in that strategy.
The Government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan 2015-2019 includes a number of targets to provide more affordable homes to Tasmanians in need, including increasing home ownership, unlocking more land for new homes, and providing more social housing.
We have been able to deliver more housing options for Tasmanians because of our strong financial management of the Budget .
As at the end of September 2018, we have assisted a total of 977 new households, including:
A key aspect of our Affordable Housing Strategy is to help more Tasmanians own their own homes, and as at 30 September, we have assisted 288 low to moderate income households into home ownership through the Streets Ahead and HomeShare initiatives.
To help more Tasmanians own their own homes, the Hodgman Liberal Government increased HomeShare assistance from July 1 this year, taking the amount eligible low income earners could receive from a maximum of $59,119 to $81 245.
Before the March 2018 election the Hodgman Liberal Government set a target to triple the number of new affordable houses by 2025, and we will continue with initiatives set out in the Affordable Housing Strategy to reach this target.
We know there is more work to do, and planning for Stage Two of our Affordable Housing Strategy is well underway after written submissions were received and roundtables were held around the State.
Stage Two will invest an additional $125 million and will provide an additional 1500 new affordable lots and homes for Tasmanians, and assist around 2000 extra households.
The report can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/2yRqqMT