Newcastle-based politician Ross Cadell is calling on the federal government to “tear down” the real barriers to building houses for hard-working Australians.
The NSW Nationals Senator believes it’s time Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor stopped their idealistic announcements… and just got on with the job.
He pinpointed the Kings Hill development, near Raymond Terrace, as a perfect example.
Mr Cadell claims the project will deliver 3,500 houses within close proximity of existing employment areas and, once complete, $71.7 million worth of economic activity annually.
But, it’s been barricaded, towards defeat, by endless red and green tape.
“We have a plan that says Port Stephens needs 11,000 new houses over 20 years,” he said.
“Yet, at the current pace, we’ll struggle to deliver even a quarter of that.
“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.
“However, 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.”
Mr Cadell applauded NSW Premier Chris Minns for taking on the “NIMBYs” 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.
“The Albanese government must stop with the golden shovel announcements and rather than turn sods, allow industry to build houses,” Mr Cadell said.
“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.”
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