HOUSING CONUNDRUM MUST BE ADDRESSED

WITH the Geelong region’s new blocks of land now dearer than a new block in Melbourne, how can we buy a home or build one locally?

Homelessness is a direct result of house values and the increased costs of landlords. Those who do not have superannuation with its benefits are left to a pension.

The aged, especially females, are at risk. Even if they own a modest home survival on the pension is impossible.

Ask the local state member how many “social houses” it has built since coming to power in 2014.

Home ownership is possible and working in regional areas is now easier. Decentralisation, tried and failed over the past 40 years, is now necessary. The issue with home ownership is that

Australians want to live where there is work and time off to play in an area offering what they want and access to entertainment.

I could not afford to live in my first home – a small flat, I had to rent it out and pay rent. I worked two jobs and never had holidays.

Take a look at the state taxes and council charges involved in building or buying a home in our region, the dearest in Australia.

Government schemes to increase home ownership actually increase the price of homes.

Labor’s new housing policy demonstrates this, helping 10,000 people a year when 400,000 want to get a home. Changing house owners’ taxation benefits and you alienate 11,000,000 house-owning potential voters.

Ross Kroger, Barwon Heads