Tasmanian State Budget: Liberals to rev up housing spend by $40 million in ‘infrastructure budget’

THE State Government will rev up spending on affordable housing — bringing forward a big chunk of money for new homes in this week’s budget.

THE state government will rev up spending on affordable housing — bringing forward $40 million worth of money for new homes in this week’s budget.

It will be part of what Treasurer Peter Gutwein is spruiking as an infrastructure budget.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch has revealed the housing funding — part of the $125 million four-year action plan — would be accelerated up because of unmet need.

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“In recognition of continuing high demand for social and affordable housing, the Hodgman Liberal Government will allocate almost $68 million in 2019-20 to boost the supply of new social and affordable homes,” he said.

“Bringing forward this considerable investment is just one of the way we are building more homes for Tasmanians in need, faster.

Housing plan. Craig Swan, Developer, Elian Bennett, Housing Tasmania, Roger Jaensch MP and builder carrying bricks in foreground Clint Williams at a building site in Rokeby. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

“Our investment adds to the $30 million committed by the Federal Morrison Government through the Hobart City Deal to facilitate more than 100 new social housing dwellings across Greater Hobart.”

Treasurer Peter Gutwein yesterday proclaimed Thursday’s budget would be “unashamedly” about infrastructure.

“It will be a massive infrastructure investment in the state to provide the infrastructure that we need today and for tomorrow, the roads budget, the roads and bridges will be unprecedented,” he said.

“It will be nearly a 50 per cent increase on what was spent in last year’s budget.

“And I’m pleased that this year we’ll be investing $1.6 billion into roads and bridges right around the state.

“This investment will touch every part of the state, every region.”

Mr Gutwein says he is unconcerned about the state taking on debt in order to fund infrastructure spending.

“One of the best ways that we can stimulate our economy is to invest with infrastructure in it.

“That attracts other and additional investment, it creates jobs and importantly it generates the revenues that we need to invest record amounts into health and education.”