Changing rental market
legislation to fast-track zoning changes to accelerate the building of affordable housing on this land.
We are contacting councils and building surveyors to ensure Tasmania’s new building code is being used to its full effect to progress building developments.
We are working closely with councils to finalise the implementation of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme and bring forward the review of the residential planning provisions.
Work has begun on a campaign to inform Tasmanians of changes to Tasmania’s planning scheme which make it easier to create new housing options including infill developments, shop-top homes and streamlined approvals for new houses.
Another initiative is a 100 per cent land tax rebate as an incentive for property owners to immediately list up to 500 existing properties for longterm rent in Greater Hobart.
A Housing Tasmania stock match program will help boost the supply of larger homes for families waiting for social housing. This voluntary incentivised program will aim to better match tenants to properties.
There are an estimated 95 four-bedroom houses occupied by only one to three residents, while families of four are on waiting lists.
A new data sharing partnership between the Tasmanian Government and Airbnb and Expedia/Stayz will better inform policy and improve transparency. This will include updates on host locations, guest nights and host income so we can ensure debate on the impact of the sharing economy on housing is informed by facts.
Treasury is doing research and consulting with peak bodies, stakeholders and nongovernment organisations to better understand trends in Hobart’s rental market, including rental cost trends, to determine what data is available and how it can best be used to inform policy.
To keep the momentum going, the Government will soon begin consultation with stakeholders on the Action Plan for the second stage of our Affordable Housing Strategy, so we can get more houses built sooner and meet our target of trebling the number of new affordable houses by 2025.
Every Tasmanian deserves a roof over their head and reducing housing stress and homelessness will continue to be my top priority as housing minister under the Hodgman Liberal Government. Braddon MP Roger Jaensch is Tasmanian Minister for Housing.