The Federal Government’s population strategy released today reveals housing policy has become the latest Government evictee, according to the Residential Development Council.

This strategy was touted as a flagship announcement regarding Australia’s future direction, but it is already a sinking ship, said Caryn Kakas, Executive Director, Residential Development Council.

“There is clearly a failure to capitalise on industry goodwill and expertise since housing affordability took centre stage in 2007.The population policy was the promised vehicle for a genuine housing strategy that would progress a move from “talk to action” on the issues facing Australia’s homeowners, buyers and renters.”

According to the Residential Development Council, this strategy lacks a credible response to any of the detailed considerations that were included in a myriad of Government’s reports which already take the microscope to this issue.

“The Government acknowledges in this strategy that affordable housing is central to the liveability of our communities. However, by its own admission, there is ‘a substantive housing supply gap that is impacting on housing affordability’.”

“This strategy fails to offer any direct leadership in addressing the blockages that hold back the industry from delivering a range of affordable housing choices for working families. Without outlining the steps to tackle the obstacles - including planning delays, escalating development levies and land supply release – it remains impossible for affordable housing to be delivered.

“Population growth is inevitable. We need to have a genuine strategy for managing growth, delivering sustainable communities, affordable housing, long-term infrastructure funding and capitalising on innovation in the economy.

“It is not enough to identify what we want for Australians today and into the future. This vision will not be achieved unless we actively plan for and manage growth in our cities, regions and communities. The roadmap cannot be complete without the future of housing clearly marked on it.”