Mr GUNNER - 2008-11-25
Can you please advise the House on the progress of initiatives we have announced since the election to release land and to stimulate the building industry?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Fannie Bay. The Henderson government is committed to increasing housing options for Territorians, and to provide relief from the housing cost pressures due to the combination of a strong economy and population growth. Buildstart is a key initiative which will help Territorians who are not first homebuyers to invest in housing in the Territory, providing a $14 000 grant to purchase a new house, or new unit, or build a new house.
Since the commencement of the scheme last month, the Buildstart website has experienced more than 3000 hits, which equates to 115 hits on average a day. We have received around 300 public inquiries and are presently processing 10 formal applications. It is early days, and we can expect the number of applications to rise substantially.
Buildstart is a fresh idea - targeted economic stimulus - it will provide real results with more housing options for Territory families. Buildstart has been widely welcomed by the community, the construction sector, and the real estate industry. I know many in the industry have been astounded that the CLP has decided to oppose the Buildstart initiative.
Since the election, we have also brought forward $50m in capital works to fast-track the new Palmerston East suburbs of Johnston, Zuccoli, and Mitchell. With Bellamack, the four suburbs will provide around 3700 new blocks in Palmerston, with the first 200 blocks in Johnston available in the second half of next year. When added to the developments at Lyons, Muirhead and Berrimah Farm, we are looking at more than 7000 new homes being constructed in the coming years across Darwin and Palmerston.
This is the most progressive and expansive land release program in the nation, and we will continue to work hard to deliver real results for Territory families.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Fannie Bay. The Henderson government is committed to increasing housing options for Territorians, and to provide relief from the housing cost pressures due to the combination of a strong economy and population growth. Buildstart is a key initiative which will help Territorians who are not first homebuyers to invest in housing in the Territory, providing a $14 000 grant to purchase a new house, or new unit, or build a new house.
Since the commencement of the scheme last month, the Buildstart website has experienced more than 3000 hits, which equates to 115 hits on average a day. We have received around 300 public inquiries and are presently processing 10 formal applications. It is early days, and we can expect the number of applications to rise substantially.
Buildstart is a fresh idea - targeted economic stimulus - it will provide real results with more housing options for Territory families. Buildstart has been widely welcomed by the community, the construction sector, and the real estate industry. I know many in the industry have been astounded that the CLP has decided to oppose the Buildstart initiative.
Since the election, we have also brought forward $50m in capital works to fast-track the new Palmerston East suburbs of Johnston, Zuccoli, and Mitchell. With Bellamack, the four suburbs will provide around 3700 new blocks in Palmerston, with the first 200 blocks in Johnston available in the second half of next year. When added to the developments at Lyons, Muirhead and Berrimah Farm, we are looking at more than 7000 new homes being constructed in the coming years across Darwin and Palmerston.
This is the most progressive and expansive land release program in the nation, and we will continue to work hard to deliver real results for Territory families.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016