Housing affordability strategy welcomed
REIQ managing director Dan Molloy said the strategy was a step in the right direction to addressing the important issue of housing affordability.
"The REIQ welcomes the government’s focus on the supply side of the affordability issue. The identification of strategic development areas such as Woolloongabba, Bowen Hills and Mackay to be overseen by the new Urban Land Development Authority is an important first step in dealing with this problem," Mr Molloy said.
"This strategy seeks to address the issue beyond the southeast corner. The REIQ particularly welcomes the inclusion of the Mackay showgrounds as recognition that issues of affordability affect regional Queensland as much as the southeast.
"Other positive aspects of the strategy include stream-lining the development process to reduce holding costs and investigating how infrastructure charges are calculated and financed."
There is no quick fix solution to housing affordability, Mr Molloy said, with population growth in Queensland continuing to drive housing investment, long term strategies – such as this one – are vital, as is cooperation across all tiers of government .
Population growth in Queensland will continue to drive housing investment and government strategy, he said.