The Government understands some Tasmanians are struggling to find appropriate housing and affordable housing.
This is a critical issue and we all acknowledge that every Tasmanian deserves a roof over their head. We know there is more we need to do to achieve this.
We have a bold and ambitious plan which requires and innovative and agile approach and doing things differently.
Everyone agrees we need to build more homes and we need to build them faster. We will invest a record $1.5 billion over the next 10 years for 10,000 social and affordable homes. We need to change how we deliver to meet this goal, which is why we are creating our housing authority, Homes Tasmania. Homes Tasmania will determine where and what types of homes these will be.
To do this, we are developing a Tasmanian Housing Strategy for the next 20 years. The Strategy will provide guidance on projected demographic changes and future needs, including on the right type of accommodation, in the right place in response to the needs of Tasmanians.
A Housing Strategy was recommended by the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council and is a Government election commitment.
Today, we are releasing a Discussion Paper for consultation that will help inform the Strategy.
The Discussion Paper has been developed based on advice from across government and experts in research, community, business and construction and includes feedback provided through the Ministerial Housing Reference Group.
It provides a high-level overview of the current challenges facing the Tasmanian housing market, current strategies and projects in place.
The Strategy will set a 20-year vision for housing in Tasmania and will address issues such as future growth, affordability, accessibility, ageing, planning and construction, and sustainability.
It will help to ensure housing can meet the needs of all Tasmanians, including the most vulnerable, those in the workforce and people as they age.
It will consider innovative approaches, including the use of build-to-rent models and incentives to increase the resilience and diversity of housing options and opportunities for all Tasmanians.
The Strategy is expected to be completed in mid-2023, with public feedback now invited on the Discussion Paper. Submissions are invited until Friday, 21 October 2022.
Tasmanians can find out more about the Discussion Paper and provide their feedback by visiting: tashousingstrategy.communities.tas.gov.au