The Allan Labor Government’s much-hyped housing plan is simply a house of cards, according to The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad.
Ms Broad said regional areas continued to struggle with housing as the government focused on the city.
“We need a sensible approach to housing growth that stretches beyond metropolitan train stations and outer suburbs and considers regional areas,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“The Labor Government has decided to cram 50 per cent of Victoria’s population growth into three Melbourne city councils in high-rise apartment buildings.”
“However, local residents in Niddrie are asking how. Schools are full; there is no hospital; no train station; not even a bike lane,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“Funding for the Growing Suburbs Fund has been cut from $50 million to $5 million, a 90 per cent cut in just two years. This fund was critical for local community infrastructure needs in the fast-growing outer suburbs. Likewise, the suburban revitalisation program was discontinued in the last state budget.
Ms Broad said Victoria should become a state of cities, not a city-state.
“We need affordable housing statewide.
“Labor says it will deliver 1300 social and affordable homes across regional Victoria through the $1 billion Regional Housing Fund. That is almost $800,000 to build each one, significantly more than the cost of standard house-and-land package in regional Victoria.
“It is clear that Labor cannot manage money, and that is why Victoria has the highest debt of any state in Australia.
“Labor hope that they will tax their way out of debt. In the last decade Labor has introduced 55 new or increased taxes; 29 of them apply to property, which just adds to the cost and complexity of providing more homes in Victoria.
“Add land tax to the mix, with bills being sent to people who do not need to pay it, and it is clear that the housing crisis in Victoria is one of Labor’s making.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage housing, and once again regional Victorians are missing out.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764, 4436 4777
