Housing Policy & Kings Hill Development

New South Wales Nationals Senator, Ross Cadell, has called on the Albanese Government to stop with the utopian announcements on housing, and tear down the real barriers to building houses for hard-working Australians.

Cadell pointed to the Kings Hill development, near Raymond Terrace, in the Hunter region, which has been barricaded towards defeat by endless red and green tape.

The project would deliver 3,500 houses within close proximity of existing employment areas, and, once complete, deliver $71.7 million worth of economic activity annually.

“We have a plan that says Port Stephens needs 11,000 new houses over 20-years, yet, at current pace we will struggle to deliver even a quarter of that,” Cadell said.

“Labor and The Greens continue to kneecap the development industry, the very industry that will deliver houses, with ludicrous controls, inconsistent determinations, and gross nimbyism that will see hard working families never achieve the great Australian dream.

At Kings Hill, the project proponent has spent a decade in an endless game of pass-the-buck between planning bodies, local council, and Government departments. Despite this, they are yet to see a single home constructed.

“Twenty plus years ago, this land was identified for housing, yet, here we are, down the road, puttering towards more legal fees, consultants and staff hours rather than tradesman with power tools in hand.

“This project is an example of everything that is wrong with the planning system.

Cadell said I applaud the NSW Premier taking on the NIMBY’s in removing planning and height restrictions close to public transport. But he needs to take the next step and fast track lifestyle blocks for houses for young families. Let’s get these critical regional projects moving.

The Albanese Labor Government needed to stop with the golden shovel announcements, and rather than turn sods, allow industry to build houses.

“It is time to stop loitering over housing shortages and start problem solving.

“Talking about housing in Canberra is like drawing a road with chalk – Clean and pretty for the announcement, but easy to wash away later.

“It is time to remove the barriers, listen to the majority not the loud minority, and give families back the hope of the great Australian dream.”