Downsize from family home

HOUSING

HAS has anyone thought of introducing a “Last Home Owners Grant” which could remove or provide a concession on the State Government stamp duty fees for means-tested older Tasmanians. Many senior homeowners live in large family homes but have no incentive to downsize because of the cost. Releasing larger family homes into the market could provide housing relief for families. Surely it is at least worth a trial? ACT, NT and Victoria already offer concessions on stamp duty for pensioners. It is an easier fix than most because removal of the tax is within the control of the State Government. art, they also have the space to build accommodation over large carparks. This is a real opportunity to support Tasmanian industry. The demand for visitor accommodation is unprecedented but we need to use it to the benefit of all. If we can create new visitor accommodation that is locally owned and operated, then we can return and retain long term rentals for homes for Tasmanians. We just need the leadership.

Bay potential

ALL the land you need for housing is located down behind the Margate Train and Bowls Club, totally useless to anyone the way it is at present, perfect for developing a world class canal development, with perfect boating access to North West Bay. Potential for hundreds of building blocks.

Excuse for planning laws

THE housing crisis in Hobart is a result of national and state issues and policies including immigration, tourism, Airbnb/ holiday rentals, foreign ownership, negative gearing, capital gains tax concessions and other policies that encourage property speculation. Instead of trying to address these issues the Tasmanian Government is using housing affordability to justify fast-track planning laws and rezoning public land for urban development. No doubt the Property Council, Housing Industry of Australia and Master Builders Association support this, which entrenches endless housing construction as the answer. Irene Duckett says “the Government can ensure growth remains sustain- themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website. able without its amenity or livability being compromised” (Talking Point, March 13). No doubt many planners believe increasing and ongoing growth and development can be accommodated without any adverse impacts on amenity or liveabiity. Reality says otherwise.

Empty school

IF the Government is looking for some short term rental for the less needy they need to look no further than their own backyard. Springfield Gardens Primary School for example has been empty for some months, all the facilities are in place: water, power, toilets, heating, car parking, secure surroundings, with some minor works internally. I am sure some of the needy would appreciate the opportunity for shelter from the coming winter.

Urgent action

NO surprises at the Liberals’ idea of fixing the housing crisis: free up public land in crappy locations to developers. How is that supposed to help people who are homeless and couch surfing now?

Immediate and significant investment in public housing is needed in the medium term, but emergency housing solutions are needed now. As well as, but not limited to: regulating Airbnb, removing negative gearing, introducing a vacancy tax and giving councils the right to introduce inclusive zoning in the city and surrounding suburbs.

Sensible jobs

I WISH Green haters would stop peddling the lie that the party is anti-development. The Greens have always been in favour of sensible, sustainable, job creating development and to suggest otherwise is nonsense.

Name values from travel

SUE Hickey says experiences gained during international travel bring value to Hobart. I challenge her to name one (not including the steel Christmas tree — she had to have got the idea from somewhere) idea/experience that has proved of value to Hobart.

Swinging voters know best

SWINGING voters are a fine example of common sense, they know which party is suitable to form government, otherwise our political system would be a monumental disaster. No appropriate policy was put forward by our recent opposition as an alternative government. No political party is perfect whether it be Liberal, Labor or Greens.

Profound words

IN the light of White House sackings, Stephen Hawking’s description of Donald Trump as a “demagogue who seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator” is profound.

Leave pedigree off the resume

ELECTED members to local and state government should have a resume fitting the position first. Pedigree and ego should not be a prerequisite.