YWCA Canberra welcomes progress in the Legislative Assembly today to declare public and community housing developments as Territory Priority Projects. This amendment streamlines these housing developments that have received prior planning approval exempting them from costly and lengthy third-party appeals. Canberra is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue to address the critical need for housing for low-income earners.
YWCA Canberra, a charity, faced significant costs and delays in defending our sympathetic affordable housing build for women from third-party appeals.
In supporting the original Bill, we also urged that it be extended to registered Community Housing Providers to deliver affordable and social housing, an important pipeline of housing for people on modest incomes who are often locked out of the public and private rental market due to income limits or exorbitant rents.
‘We are pleased to see that after hearing our evidence, this amendment has been extended to community housing providers. Community Housing Providers are an important supply channel for affordable housing and as we have seen first-hand, it can also be subjected to spurious appeals bought about by unrepresentative interest groups – Frances Crimmins CEO YWCA Canberra.
YWCA Canberra have been longstanding advocates for sensible planning reforms that would facilitate development of much needed new housing builds, particularly in inner suburban areas that are well-serviced by amenities.
“Addressing Canberra’s ongoing housing supply needs will require options across the affordability and policy spectrum. Do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods? Without reforms to prevent the opportunistic use of the appeals process, the public and affordable housing component of the ACT Government’s 30,000 build target will be incredibly difficult to achieve. We are grateful that the Assembly has recognised this” – Frances Crimmins CEO YWCA Canberra.
YWCA Canberra media contact:
Eleanor Sander O’Hearn
Executive Director Communications Advocacy and Engagement
eleanor.sanderohearn@ywca-canberra.org.au
0475 240 101