Australia regional infrastructure funding and timber supply key to housing

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has expressed support for a $1.5 billion funding commitment dedicated to critical housing infrastructure in regional Australia. This investment is intended to target essential services including roads, water, sewerage, and power, which the HIA identifies as major barriers to unlocking shovel-ready land for new housing developments.

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin noted that regional, rural, and remote communities face distinct challenges that require specific focus rather than being treated as extensions of capital cities. The organization emphasized that the primary issue is not a lack of demand, but a shortage of land ready for development due to inadequate enabling infrastructure.

Additionally, the HIA highlighted the necessity of a secure domestic timber supply to meet Australia’s future housing needs. HIA Chief Executive Industry and Policy Simon Croft stated that a stable supply of locally produced timber is fundamental to supporting the construction of hundreds of thousands of new homes required by a growing population. He noted that supply chain resilience is vital to preventing impacts on housing affordability and construction timelines.