Six Launceston properties have been identified as areas that could be rezoned for affordable housing options.
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The plans form part of a “medium-to-long-term strategy” aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis, announced on the back of Thursday’s summit in Hobart.
A report on land reviews released by the government has outlined 139 hectares across the state suitable for residential development.
Among that was almost 38 hectares in Launceston, including land at the Technopark precinct at Kings Meadows, Resevoir Road and Archer Street at Rocherlea, Wildor Crescent at Ravenswood, Penquite Road at Norwood and five hectares at the current University of Tasmania Newnham Campus.
Three properties across almost 35 hectares have also been earmarked for affordable housing in Burnie.
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While the plans have been seen as a “positive step” by stakeholders, Anglicare state manager for housing and homeless services Belinda Jones said a solution was not going to be found overnight.
“The main problem is everyone wants a quick fix and that just isn’t practical,” she said.
“This was announced as an urgent summit, but what is being put forward won’t have an immediate impact.
“The government is looking at the big picture which is positive and the ideas put forward are all good things.
“Having said that, it is hard to think of a quick solution.
“It is easy to say – well people are on the street, let’s just put them in an empty house.
“But logistically, what we are looking at here is a very complex social issue, that’s not just about infrastructure.”
On Friday, Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government would be continuing to collaborate with stakeholders in addressing the issue.
“In terms of affordable housing solutions, this is a statewide problem,” he said.
“We recognise there are areas of particular concern in Southern Tasmania and all of those concerns need to be addressed.
“We are addressing those and we have identified that both in the last term of of parliament and in the election where we outlined our measures as well.
“But of course we need ongoing dialogue as the result of the housing summit.
“We are grateful to the stakeholders that participated and we will move forward in a collaborative way.”
The government has also put forward a land tax rebate initiative worth up to $300,000.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
