Subsidising developers

HERE we go again. Ratepayers to subsidise developers and builders to build medium density dwellings and units for renters and home buyers.

Seems our councillors are always happy to dole out millions of our money to “encourage” this group, even though “the market” exists to fulfil this role, and the subsidy never converts to cheaper selling prices.

Another handout that will increase demand on building products, as if house building costs were not rising high and fast enough.

I bet what our councillors will not attach to the subsidy will be reasonable conditions to demand a much higher standard in the design and build of these dwellings, as laid out in the new TRC document Toowoomba Region Design – Warm Temperate Climate Building Design Guidelines.

It’s time demands were made to go past the current dodgy six star national building standard (Qld builders can escape with only 4.5 stars, while claiming the house is six star), and expect builders to be producing seven and eight star homes, if they get a handout from ratepayers.

Building units for renters? Here’s the deal. Position correctly, insulate, soundproof, draught proof – about five air changes per hour not the slapdash 15 of the average new builds in Australia, solar power on roof, reverse cycle aircon, heat pump hot water run from the roof solar, no gas to the houses, battery and e-car ready wiring.

Renters will have vastly reduced power bills and will be able to afford paying the marginal extra rent required.

Forget the “rich traditions” of the building industry that excels at building us “brick tents” and reach for the “bold ambitions” of the new TRC “how you should build a house” guidelines.

HUGH WILSON, Toowoomba