Territory 2030 Conference – A Balanced Housing Market
George Roussos, Roussos Legal Advisory “Today was really informative and was very well put together”
Toni Vine-Bromley, Executive Director NT Shelter “ I see this as an opportunity and another step forward to achieving the dream of achieving appropriate and affordable housing for all Territorians”
Vicki O’Halloran, Independent Advisor to the Territory 2030 Subcommittee of Cabinet "A Balanced Housing Market is what we are trying to achieve today. We’re talking to economists, futurists, community service sector people and determining how we can work together to achieve many of the targets within the 2030 program”.
As part of Government's commitment to Territory 2030, and furthering the goals of the Housing the Territory initiative, the Territory 2030 Conference, 'A Balanced Housing Market' was held at the convention centre on 9 November 2011. Over 200 people, including developers, industry peak bodies, non-government organisations, representatives from across government, financiers, and Territorians with an interest in housing matters came to hear many experienced and diverse speakers discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in achieving a balanced housing market that is dynamic, responsive and affordable.
Presenters at the conference spoke of what a balanced housing market could look like and their experience in developing housing options to address the challenges of matching housing supply with the demand for housing which provides solutions across all income levels, both for renters and those wanting to buy their own home.
For the Territory, it is clear that achieving access to the market is important to attract, and retain, a diverse and skilled workforce - a challenge made more important given the expected economic growth from the Inpex development.
Vicki O'Halloran, Independent Advisor to the Territory 2030 Subcommittee of Cabinet, stated that affordable housing, particularly in view of the Northern Territory's impending resources and major projects boom, is one of the greatest challenges and a pivotal goal of the Territory's 2030 strategy.
The key message from the conference was that achieving a balanced housing market requires commitment from all parties - government, industry and the community sector - to pursue the development of appropriate housing options to meet the needs of different segments of the market.
Speakers and delegates all agreed that the way forward will involve the development of a 'tool-kit' of options for providing the right mix of housing solutions for Territorians, supported by collaboration across the sectors.
The government is entering into discussions with key industry proponents to develop options to address the Territory's housing needs. These will need to be based on accurate market information, innovative finance models, responsive but measured land release, streamlined planning approval processes, creative building solutions, and also appropriate urban design that is understood and supported by Territorians.
For the Territory to continue to grow and support its vibrant community and unique lifestyle, it will need to meet the housing challenge now and into the future. While government has a facilitative role through land release, planning approvals and urban design, it will be the efforts of the housing industry - developers, financiers, builders, and organisations in the community sector - which will ultimately drive the dynamics of the housing market. The Territory Government looks forward to working with all the parties to meet the challenges of growing social and economic development in the Territory.
Conference introduction (2 minute video) mp4 14Mb
