COVID is accelerating migration to regional areas – Report finds
Property Council of Australia has welcomed the release of the Findings Report by the Regional Housing Taskforce which has found that COVID-19 has enhanced the need for infrastructure to be delivered alongside housing to address increased regional migration.
Property Council’s Illawarra Regional Director Michelle Guido said the findings are a positive step in dealing with the influx of people to the regions and impacts on local housing supply.
“The complexity of regional housing and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic which have accelerated population migration to regional areas shows us that we need to act fast,” Ms Guido said.
“We support the report’s findings that greater prioritisation needs to be on the coordination of delivery of infrastructure to support new homes in regional areas and the need for better collaboration between all levels of government and the development industry to ensure that this occurs effectively.
“With affordability and housing supply shortages being experienced right across the Illawarra Shoalhaven, we are also pleased to see the recognition of the need for more diverse and affordable housing to better meet current and future needs of our local communities.”
Ms Guido said she looked forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government on the next steps for regional housing.
“We look forward to further recommendations being outlined by the Regional Housing Taskforce over the next couple of months. The devil will be in the detail and we hope to see real and practical solutions developed to address regional housing challenges.”
Media contact: Aidan Green | M 0491 030 028 | E [email protected]