KING Island is suffering from the housing shortage that is rapidly reaching crisis level throughout Tasmania.
The King Island Council is trying to get State and Federal Housing Ministers to visit the island this year and discuss options or potential funding.
“We certainly want to create a conducive environment where property development investment and Government investment will flow into King Island,” Mayor Marcus Blackie said.
The State Opposition this week revealed that there are 15,561 residential blocks sitting vacant across Tasmania and 144 of these blocks are located on King Island. Cr Blackie said that the council would need to verify Labor’s claim.
“The number of vacant blocks would depend on zoning and a range of interim planning scheme options, restrictions or development limitations,” he said.
“Not all of them are just waiting for a brick-veneer to be built on top. “Demand is now such that we need more of all forms of housing on King Island, like traditional residential housing, tourist accommodation, higher density units, retirement strata villas and certainly more affordable housing.
“There are also a high number of housing renovations and refurbishments currently under way on King Island that will assist capacity.
“We had hoped that market forces would rise to meet this demand but has not sufficiently delivered over the past five years. “That being said, there are now several development proposals currently in the works, both large and small scale that if progressed will go a long way to alleviating our current housing shortages.”
The State Government has urged all authorities, including local councils, to play a role in ensuring new housing and accommodation options can be developed. According to Labor, there is opportunity for Government to purchase vacant land and the identification of land to rezone for housing supply.
Cr Blackie said the council was considering a range of options and affordable council concessions for the right kind of high priority development.
“However, as an impartial planning authority and a small rural council we need to stop well short of becoming property developers ourselves,” he said. “Our King Island economy and population are growing again so we are confident the right balanced approach will deliver over the next five years or so,” Cr Blackie said.
This month’s Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that building approvals were at the lowest number in Tasmania since July 2017. In order to release more rental properties into the housing market the State Government introduced the Private Rental Incentive (PRI) program.
Under the $9.25 million program, rents are capped at 25 to 30 per cent below median rates in their region. In return, property owners receive an incentive payment of up to $9,900 per property per annum. Tenancy and property management is provided fee-free by Centacare Evolve Housing, a registered statewide property manager. Property owners are guaranteed rent for a two-year lease.
In a statement Premier Jeremy Rockliffe said: “If you have a property that isn’t currently in the private rental market, I encourage you to reach out to the newly established Homes Tasmania.’’
Landlords can get more information about the program including upcoming information by visiting http://www.homestasmania.com.au/Private-Rental/Private-rental-incentives.