While it is good to see steps are being taken to build more properties as always the devil is in the detail. There are no guarantees in increasing stock in the private market. We should question the number of "affordable" rentals, also how long they will remain affordable.

We do not want to see a repeat of the the difficulties being faced by tenants here and across the country as a previous affordable private rental program (the National Rental Affordability Scheme) approaches its 10 year end.

ACT Planning Bill must prioritise Canberra's most vulnerable - ACT Shelter supports ACTCOSS calls for planning priorities.

In a media release this week ACTCOSS noted -

The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) said hat the ACT Government must make stronger commitments to social and affordable housing, consultation with marginalised communities and delivering community infrastructure and amenities in its planning reform.

In its submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Inquiry into the Planning Bill 2022, ACTCOSS called on the ACT Government to strengthen the Bill to ensure:

A supply of social and affordable housing within the ACT amidst a worsening housing and homelessness crisis including minimum targets and rezoning

Social planning principles are incorporated into land release policies and development decisions so we deliver liveable and inclusive suburbs

Appropriate amenity, community infrastructure and local commerce is available for new and existing residents

Proactive and genuine consultation occurs with those who are most affected by planning. This includes people with disability, young people, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, women, and groups representing low-income and marginalised Canberrans.

ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: “Planning is at the core of achieving an inclusive and accessible Canberra for all.

“While some aspects of the draft bill respond to ACTCOSS’s earlier submissions, we need a stronger commitment in the ACT’s planning laws to prioritise people on low incomes, those experiencing homelessness, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, young people and other people experiencing disadvantage.

“We urge the ACT Government to make further amendments to the Bill to ensure the city’s future development and planning deliver a Canberra that is inclusive of all Canberrans and contributes to more affordable and social housing supply within the Territory,” Dr Campbell concluded.

To find out more about the Planning Bill, visit the ACT Government's consultation page.

Land, land all around but not a block to build on. Where are you? Canberra. Or so some say. The…

Minister Yvette Berry Media Release 22/11/2022

The latest ACT Housing Strategy Report Card released today shows that progress is being made on the ACT Government’s plans to increase affordable housing options in the ACT.

Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry said that progress on the strategy, now at the end of its fourth year, is particularly helping those on low to moderate incomes and those at risk of homelessness.

Highlights from the Report Card include:
- The opening of Common Ground Dickson, with 40 households for Canberrans low incomes or those who had experienced chronic homelessness now live in permanent and supportive housing.
- 219 dwellings have been constructed under the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program, with a further 93 dwellings purchased and 749 dwellings in the construction pipeline, and 349 tenants have moved into homes which meet their needs.
- A further $30 million boost to the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program to provide a mix of homes for people in need. Further supporting the specialist homelessness sector to ensure increased funding is directed to where it will have the greatest impact to reduce homelessness.
- More than 100 properties signed up to the Affordable Community Housing Land Tax Exemption Scheme. The scheme has capacity for another 150 property owners, so more people in need can access secure, affordable rental housing.
- 224 dwellings sold as part of the Affordable Home Purchase Scheme in the 2021-2022 financial year, enabling home ownership for eligible Canberrans on lower incomes.
- New legislation to end ‘no cause’ rental terminations from tenancies will give renters more certainty that they can stay in their homes.

“While good progress has been made under the actions under the Housing Strategy, I know there is more work to be done. The ACT Government will continue to to work closely with community and industry partners to deliver and review the strategy as we approach the midway point,” Minister Berry said.

“The ACT Government will continue its engagement with the Federal Government to progress initiatives that support the delivery of affordable housing for all Canberrans.”

You can read the ACT Housing Strategy Year 4 Report Card on the ACT Government’s Homes and Housing website. - https://www.act.gov.au/homes-housing/act-housing-strategy/implementation-and-reporting

- Statement ends -

Privacy and discrimination are continue to be very serious issues surrounding rental application companies as well as real estate agents. It is time our regulators looked into these issues.