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I write in relation to the draft Affordable Housing Policy, which has been released for public consultation.
Urban Taskforce Australia acknowledges the need for affordable housing initiatives to help address rental stress for segments of our community.
We recognise that there is a role for developers to play but believe that the most effective method for delivering such accommodation is through collaboration and incentive.
The Council’s proposed policy creates unnecessarily barriers for development, at a time when Council itself recognises that the industry is facing significant headwinds that undermine feasibility.
As a result, Urban Taskforce’s members are concerned that the proposed changes simply represent an increased tax on landowners and developers for redevelopment, and that it is unlikely to deliver the affordable housing sought by the Council.
There are a range of options already available within the planning system to facilitate the delivery of affordable housing, but the proposals in this policy may not be the most effective way to deliver on the City’s goals.