Mr GILES - 2009-11-26
The most recent figures released by the Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory show that the housing vacancy rates in Alice Springs are at an unbelievably low 0.3%. There are reports of Alice Springs residents living in cars and tents because no land is being released, no houses are being built, and house and unit prices are skyrocketing. How do you expect Alice Springs residents to buy and afford a house in this town?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I acknowledge the question from the member for Braitling. First and foremost, this is a problem of growth. It is a problem of a growing economy. It is a problem as a result of a strong economy and a growing population. When we look at business and investment confidence in Alice Springs, of all the problems to have, a problem associated with growth is better than a problem associated with economic contraction.
I outlined comprehensively the land release program we have and are embarked upon in Alice Springs. Contrast that with the CLP policy, which is compulsory acquisition of native title. If we were to go down that path, the one thing absolutely certain is we would be tied up in legal challenges and action for years.
We have a policy of working with the traditional owners and their representative body in regard to progressing land release. As I said, I had a very productive meeting this week with senior representatives from Lhere Artepe in Alice Springs. I will be working with our Planning minister and Lhere Artepe about expediting release at Mt Johns Valley - a very successful initial land release program which will provide up to 90 dwellings, with work to start next year. As I very clearly said, the minister will be putting out for consultation the rezoning of land at AZRI to provide for up to 1200 units of land. That application for rezoning will go out before Christmas.
We do have a plan. The private sector is playing its role, and we are encouraging them to play their role. We are working with the native title body, Lhere Artepe. We are rezoning land government owns at AZRI. We have a plan for land release in Alice Springs and we are actioning that plan.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I acknowledge the question from the member for Braitling. First and foremost, this is a problem of growth. It is a problem of a growing economy. It is a problem as a result of a strong economy and a growing population. When we look at business and investment confidence in Alice Springs, of all the problems to have, a problem associated with growth is better than a problem associated with economic contraction.
I outlined comprehensively the land release program we have and are embarked upon in Alice Springs. Contrast that with the CLP policy, which is compulsory acquisition of native title. If we were to go down that path, the one thing absolutely certain is we would be tied up in legal challenges and action for years.
We have a policy of working with the traditional owners and their representative body in regard to progressing land release. As I said, I had a very productive meeting this week with senior representatives from Lhere Artepe in Alice Springs. I will be working with our Planning minister and Lhere Artepe about expediting release at Mt Johns Valley - a very successful initial land release program which will provide up to 90 dwellings, with work to start next year. As I very clearly said, the minister will be putting out for consultation the rezoning of land at AZRI to provide for up to 1200 units of land. That application for rezoning will go out before Christmas.
We do have a plan. The private sector is playing its role, and we are encouraging them to play their role. We are working with the native title body, Lhere Artepe. We are rezoning land government owns at AZRI. We have a plan for land release in Alice Springs and we are actioning that plan.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016