Mr HIGGINS - 2014-02-20
This government is funding real solutions to meet housing demands in the Territory. Unlike the former Labor government and the now fly-in fly-out shadow minister, the Opposition Leader, we are investing in Central Australia. Can you please update the House on the exciting progress of the Kilgraiff subdivision in Alice Springs and other affordable housing initiatives of this government?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. He has a great interest in real housing solutions for Territorians, particularly in his electorate, the remote parts of the Territory, but also in our urban centres. It is a very good point, perhaps a point which has been lost on many Territorians, that the architect of Alice Springs’ demise is now the Opposition Leader.
The shadow minister for Central Australia is the member for Karama. It is an extraordinary turn of events, and I am not sure where this is supposed to leave the member for Barkly. What happened there, Gerry? The only member south of the Berrimah line is no longer the shadow minister for Central Australia. There is something so wrong there on so many levels.
But, I digress. I thank the member, again, for his question. We are trying to provide real housing solutions, especially for our most vulnerable Territorians, through social and affordable housing, and it is great to have a question on housing. I think this is the first housing question I have had in the House since I became the Minister for Housing in September. Maybe it is the second, but I have not had too many questions from the shadow minister for Housing. It goes to show their commitment to housing. They dropped the ball for 11 years. We were elected to clean up their mess in housing, which is exactly what we are doing.
Let us look at Kilgariff. It is Alice Springs’ newest suburb and it is crucial to lowering the cost of living in Alice Springs and stabilising the housing market.
Registration of interest to purchase blocks opened through LJ Hooker in Alice last Friday, with 33 blocks on the market in the first stage. It is a huge milestone. I thank the minister for Lands and Planning for his assistance. I think at this stage we have 21 expressions of interest already.
While I have articulated and made abundantly clear the previous Labor government stalled this vital project, we have our foot to the floor and are fast tracking this development. It is very exciting news that prospective land buyers can register their interest in purchasing one of 33 blocks off the plan, with prices ranging from $160 000 to $180 000. They are deliberately priced to be within reach for most first home buyers. Similarly sized blocks in Alice Springs are on the market for about $250 000. This will eventually lead up to about 80 affordable residential blocks available in two stages, which is easing the squeeze in the local housing market.
Work is being fast tracked and it is anticipated titles will be issued towards the end of the year, and building can begin once these titles are issued.
This is the first major residential development south of The Gap and should meet demand for housing in Alice Springs for the next two decades.
There is much more to talk about in the housing space. I welcome many more questions from the opposition, maybe not this sittings, but there is another one coming up in March. I am fully prepared and more than happy to answer your questions.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. He has a great interest in real housing solutions for Territorians, particularly in his electorate, the remote parts of the Territory, but also in our urban centres. It is a very good point, perhaps a point which has been lost on many Territorians, that the architect of Alice Springs’ demise is now the Opposition Leader.
The shadow minister for Central Australia is the member for Karama. It is an extraordinary turn of events, and I am not sure where this is supposed to leave the member for Barkly. What happened there, Gerry? The only member south of the Berrimah line is no longer the shadow minister for Central Australia. There is something so wrong there on so many levels.
But, I digress. I thank the member, again, for his question. We are trying to provide real housing solutions, especially for our most vulnerable Territorians, through social and affordable housing, and it is great to have a question on housing. I think this is the first housing question I have had in the House since I became the Minister for Housing in September. Maybe it is the second, but I have not had too many questions from the shadow minister for Housing. It goes to show their commitment to housing. They dropped the ball for 11 years. We were elected to clean up their mess in housing, which is exactly what we are doing.
Let us look at Kilgariff. It is Alice Springs’ newest suburb and it is crucial to lowering the cost of living in Alice Springs and stabilising the housing market.
Registration of interest to purchase blocks opened through LJ Hooker in Alice last Friday, with 33 blocks on the market in the first stage. It is a huge milestone. I thank the minister for Lands and Planning for his assistance. I think at this stage we have 21 expressions of interest already.
While I have articulated and made abundantly clear the previous Labor government stalled this vital project, we have our foot to the floor and are fast tracking this development. It is very exciting news that prospective land buyers can register their interest in purchasing one of 33 blocks off the plan, with prices ranging from $160 000 to $180 000. They are deliberately priced to be within reach for most first home buyers. Similarly sized blocks in Alice Springs are on the market for about $250 000. This will eventually lead up to about 80 affordable residential blocks available in two stages, which is easing the squeeze in the local housing market.
Work is being fast tracked and it is anticipated titles will be issued towards the end of the year, and building can begin once these titles are issued.
This is the first major residential development south of The Gap and should meet demand for housing in Alice Springs for the next two decades.
There is much more to talk about in the housing space. I welcome many more questions from the opposition, maybe not this sittings, but there is another one coming up in March. I am fully prepared and more than happy to answer your questions.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016