The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed comments from ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr about improving medium density housing opportunities in the capital, including dual-occupancies, but says the time for talk is over and action is required.
“It was very positive to see the Chief Minister this week reference using the current planning reforms to address the ‘missing middle’ of affordable medium density housing, including expanding dual occupancy opportunities in our suburbs,” said Greg Weller, HIA ACT/Southern NSW executive director.
“This is a sensible and sustainable way to get more new homes into our city, and is potentially a means by which older Canberrans on larger blocks can plan to down-size without leaving their neighbourhood and networks.
“We have already seen that surrendered Mr Fluffy blocks over 700sqm were able to be developed as separately titled dual-occupancy dwellings with no adverse consequences.
“In 2018 the ACT Government commissioned ‘Housing Choices Collaboration Hub’ which undertook a lengthy process to ascertain the views of the Canberra community on various housing and planning issues – independently of government, community groups or industry – and the final report supported separate titling in RZ1.
“Unfortunately, an actual proposal for dual occupancies has not been included in the planning reform papers, rather, it has been only referenced on the consultation website for further discussion.
“The ACT Government has long held the policy of building 70 per cent of new homes in the existing footprint of Canberra. It needs to now back that up with a planning system that supports the delivery of more housing,” Mr Weller said.
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