Aidan Curtis
THE South Australian Government is looking to target affordable housing following the Federal Government’s announcement of plans to build a million homes around the country.
One of the major talking points of the recently-released Federal Budget was Labor’s ambitious plans to increase the number of affordable homes in a bid to ease competition in the housing market.
While the funding has only locked in 10,000 homes as a start, which are expected to begin rolling out in 2024, the State Government is already looking to capitalise on the plans in regional SA.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said South East MPs Troy Bell and Nick McBride have both put forth strong cases for why the region needs more assistance in housing.
“The government is actively reviewing a range of options to encourage the creation of more affordable rental and purchase housing for South Australians living in regional areas and we have been working closely with the Australian Government to ensure that South Australia is well prepared to act immediately once funds are available to increase the supply of affordable housing for rental and purchase for South Australians,” Mr Champion said.
“Whilst South Australia’s takeout from the Australian Government’s housing commitments has not yet been fully determined, work has been undertaken to commence identifying potential projects and sites, including in regional areas.”
Mr Champion said those projects will take advantage of the Federal Government’s commitments which include the $10 billion House Australia Future Fund and the Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme.
“The state government intends to secure every dollar and every home possible for South Australia,” he said.
“The overall aim is to get more South Australians into their own home.”
