It’s time to take notice!
Tasmania has cemented itself as the state to build, buy and renovate according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
This is in the face of a negative nationwide trend which has seen residential work decrease by 3 per cent across the country.
Property Council TAS Executive Director Brian Wightman today welcomed the statistics offering, “It is undeniable that confidence in Tasmania is on the up, and as a result opportunities abound.”
“A 3.37 per cent change over the last quarter combined with a 25.98 per cent improvement on last year is nation leading with building starts, renovations and alterations driving a residential resurgence in Tasmania.
“More than 3000 building approvals during a 12 month period is a significant milestone,” he said.
Tasmania Division President Sam Hogg also welcomed the improvement suggesting that off the back of these results it was crucial to continue the state’s reform agenda.
“It is now a time for boldness and leadership which breathes oxygen back into a recovering state. The Property Council is adamant that Tasmania must continue to run hard and fast in an effort to create jobs, jobs and more jobs.”
The Property Council reiterated its support of State Government reform initiatives such as the move to the Tasmanian Planning Scheme and a commitment to reduce red and green tape by 20 per cent.
“Planning reform is essential and we view our continued work with the Planning Reform Taskforce as crucial. The passing of planning legislation by both Houses of Parliament was a watershed moment for Tasmania.
“We also look forward to continuing to work with the Department of State Growth to deliver a regulation and duplication reduction agenda,” Mr Wightman said.
Mr Hogg also reiterated the Property Council’s push for local government reform and investment in water and sewerage infrastructure state-wide.
“The Property Council strongly believes that the current number of councils in Tasmania delivers a structure which is not fit for the future. In a rapidly changing and connected world, combined with an ageing population Tasmania’s local government sector must conduct business in a far more cost effective manner,” he said.
Mr Wightman added, with Tasmania leading the nation in residential construction we must have basic utility provision which is compliant.
“TasWater is doing an excellent job; however they can not achieve compliance on their own. They require an injection of funding from their owners, the councils combined with both State and Commonwealth Government support,’ Mr Wightman concluded.
Media contact: Brian Wightman |M 0429 073 773 |E [email protected]