Talking Point: Huntingfield delivers for the South

As we work through the COVID-19 pandemic, projects like the Huntingfield development will create jobs, support the economy and provide new affordable housing, the Housing Minister says.

The Tasmanian Government is delivering our commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing.

This is vitally important as we work through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because it will help those in housing stress, while creating jobs in our vital building and construction sector.

HUNTINGFIELD HOUSING SUBDIVISION SLAMMED DESPITE CRISIS

That’s why we are progressing our plan to deliver a broad mix of about 470 residential lots, high-quality public amenities, open spaces and support infrastructure at Huntingfield, with the draft Huntingfield Master Plan now available for public comment.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch visiting a construction site. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

The subdivision works would inject about $19 million into the local economy and create more than 140 full-time jobs, which could benefit many businesses in Kingborough and the broader southern region. Construction of homes is expected to deliver $120 million in economic activity, creating more than 850 jobs.

If approved, the Tasmanian Government will deliver the subdivision with private-sector partners, but will retain at least 15 per cent of the lots for new social and affordable housing.

As we work through the COVID-19 pandemic, works like these will create jobs, support the economy and provide new affordable housing options.

Our aim is to start work on the site by the end of the year.

FAST-TRACK HUNTINGFIELD PARK AND RIDE FACILITY: RACT

The final master plan will be informed by feedback received during the consultation period and, despite statements to the contrary from Mayor Dean Winter, a development application will still need to be approved by Kingborough Council through its normal assessment process. As with any project of this kind, it will be the council’s responsibility to assess the development against its Planning Scheme, and the council has the power to reject it if it fails to meet those provisions. Kingborough Council’s own Land Use Strategy anticipated development of up to 500 lots at the Huntingfield site. The strategy confirmed existing wastewater infrastructure can support a subdivision of this size, and noted the Government’s plans to construct a major intersection on the Channel Highway to provide improved access and alleviate congestion at the Algona Road roundabout.

Huntingfield, where the new suburb is to be built. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

One year later, we have rezoned the land for residential development, released a draft Master Plan for the subdivision and are finalising a development application for the Channel Highway roundabout, which will be submitted for council approval alongside the final Master Plan.

The Government is also addressing broader traffic issues, with redevelopment of the Kingston bus interchange and Park and Ride facilities to provide for a higher volume of passengers in future. Design options for a Southern Outlet transit lane and bus priority measures on Macquarie and Davey streets are under way.

SPEAKER SUE HICKEY URGES CALM ON HUNTINGFIELD

As a developer and a responsible government, we are taking a long-term, holistic approach to this development in the interests of current and future Huntingfield residents and the interests of housing supply and economic recovery in Tasmania.

I urge Mayor Winter to set political posturing aside and work with us to deliver jobs for southern Tasmania, more affordable housing and better infrastructure for Kingborough while injecting millions into our economy when we need it more than ever.

Submissions are open until June 26 and I encourage residents, community members and stakeholders to view the draft Master Plan and provide feedback via https://huntingfield.mysocialpinpoint.com/huntingfield-master-plan

Roger Jaensch is Tasmanian Housing Minister.