Great Australian Dream Will Continue To Grow Demand in Outer Suburbs

Print

UDIA (VIC)

.....Academics and other groups who constantly attack the provision for housing in fringe areas conveniently forget many families do not have a million dollars plus for a terrace home in Carlton or Fitzroy. 

 alt
Tony De Domenico
Executive Director  UDIA (VIC) 

Victoria's expanding population combined with housing affordability will continue to grow demand for housing and the development of new housing projects in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, the Urban Development Institute of Australia (Victoria) said today.

Tony De Domenico, Executive Director of the UDIA (VIC) said, "Given the high cost of land, housing and apartments in many suburban areas, new developments play the major role in providing affordable housing for families wanting a detached home and space to raise a family."

"Academics and other groups who constantly attack the provision for housing in fringe areas conveniently overlook the fact that many families cannot afford a million dollars plus for a terrace home in Carlton or Fitzroy and also fail to recognise the quality lifestyle housing projects being provided."

Mr De Domenico said "With Victoria's population rising 1.7% in the twelve months to September 2012 and the State attracting 94,800 new residents, it is important for the Victorian Government and the development industry to plan ahead for demand."*

"The increase in population will also help increase and drive the economic and employment contribution to Victoria's bottom-line at a time when the State is desperate to create more employment and stimulate small business."

The Victorian development industry employs around 310,000 full time employees, contributes around 12 per cent of the state's gross product and contributes $4.6 billion in taxes to all tiers of government.

Mr. De Domenico said, "The ongoing reform of the planning system by the Victorian Government to cut red tape and provide more certainty has been fundamental in providing a wider range of housing options including apartments, townhouses and detached houses in a range of areas from inner urban to new outer suburbs."

"The regional areas of Victoria such as Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and many coastal areas will also play a role in providing new areas of housing as people look for lifestyle changes and also new opportunities for employment."

Mr. De Domenico said the major challenge for the Victorian Government is to overcome the cuts to Victoria's share of the GST by the Federal Government and budget for the provision of transport infrastructure and stimulate permanent employment in the areas close to new housing projects.

*Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Media Enquires:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, UDIA (VIC) - Mobile: 0417 329 201