The Housing Industry Association (HIA), the leading industry association in the Australian residential building sector, has called on the newly elected NSW Coalition Government to deliver on its election promises to address the housing affordability crisis in the State.

HIA Executive Director NSW, Mr David Bare said, “a number of policy announcements were made by the Coalition during the election campaign period relevant to the housing industry in New South Wales and now that the O’Farrell Government has a mandate these promises must be fulfilled.”

A key promise made by Mr O’Farrell included accelerating land release and reducing infrastructure costs on new developments for more affordable housing. One of the key drivers of Sydney’s housing stress is the lack of supply. The NSW Liberals & Nationals have promised to accelerate land release and help reduce costs of home ownership by publishing annual ‘real time’ new dwelling targets for Sydney.

“The housing industry supports such measures. Today, NSW faces a critical housing shortage. A shortfall of around 70,000 homes and a well below par build rate is crippling affordability,” said Mr Bare.

“HIA believes there needs to be a collective will and strength of leadership from within the new O’Farrell Government to create a “can do” mentality in the provision of housing. Focus is needed on clear, measurable and reportable targets; and a desire to truly remove the impediments to housing supply in both Greenfield and infill developments.”

A key commitment by Mr O’Farrell is a Government that consults with industry and HIA looks forward to taking part in these early consultations around driving reform in NSW to get affordable housing back on track.

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