Boomers to underpin major rejuvenation of city centre site
LOS ANGELES: Boomers are now set to underpin the rejuvenation of an industrial inner city site.
Over the weekend, the PM made a visit to Adelaide and announced much needed funding, if elected, for the delivery of new infrastructure to “fast track” more houses.
In the same weekend, the Premier announced the government’s plans for Magill, a low density, tree filled vision – things of utopian dreams in a housing crisis.
Lovely for locals and certainly a vote winner – in marginal seats – but an irresponsible waste of land that could house many more South Australians locked out of the housing market.
These opportunities are scarce and shouldn’t be squandered.
In the same week, in a show of astounding double standards, government brought in immediate zoning controls to lift building heights to 14 storeys at Southwark Grounds.
Brave but an unlosable Labor seat. This is good planning and sets a welcome precedent for more density along our road corridors. But not in a decade – it’s needed now.
‘Living Locally’ is the central theme of the government’s Greater Adelaide Regional Plan.
This is about using land wisely, sweating existing infrastructure with people living close to jobs, transport and the amenities they need.
Many cities have similar visions of walkable, liveable cities critical to attract the world’s top talent essential for economic complexity and growth.
The CBD is a monty for this and much more needs to be done to activate our capital city, including a review of those that run it.
But instead, we get a loan from the PM to build SA Water infrastructure in presumably our sprawling outer suburbs. Details are scant.
Paying this back will be a huge cost to SA taxpayers, developers and the new homeowner.
To buy a house at Angle Vale costs a staggering $815,000. Five years ago, it was $510,000.
Many South Australians are priced out of this market and struggle to even find suitable and affordable rentals.
The announcement is a ‘sugar hit’ for those struggling to buy a home – more a myth than reality but those desperate for a house will buy into it.
You would have to, or else you will continue to live on a Boulevard of Broken Dreams, on repeat.
With interest rates on the rise again the cost of living crisis continues to escalate.
Hitting those that can least afford it the hardest.
What we need is a comprehensive plan that addresses infrastructure, housing choice, productivity, employment, skills and tax settings.
Not individual ideas.
A comprehensive suite of ideas that make sense together. That is delivered well.
The NSW government stepped up to the plate and introduced a housing pattern book.
They now have 17 flexible and endorsed designs, prepared by architects.
These are starting to be built now. Improved productivity must be part of the solution.
We need to build faster with lower input costs.
A pattern book in SA to rival the pattern book of the early 1900s that bought us our beloved villas and single fronted cottages.
Modular construction also needs more attention in SA.
The UK has committed to the utilisation of MMC for a minimum of 25 per cent of its project pipeline, including high-quality, affordable homes at scale.
We need more housing diversity. More apartments, retirement options, smaller
accommodation that meets our changing demography.
The government’s $500m election commitment to help get more apartments built is good policy and those making significant investments to get these projects out of the ground tell us this will greatly assist.
Further help could be in the form of extending the successful HomeStart shared equity loan option to buyers of apartments.
Also lifting the income caps for a HomeStart loan, so that more key workers and their families can access the Australian Dream.
Our planning system also needs attention. The recent decision by the developer at Reynella to withdraw an application through intimidation and harassment is an indictment.
The new planning system provides greater transparency and the settings for this application to be given a fair hearing where residents would have been heard.
This chance was never given as the angry mob took control.
That’s 30 much-needed local jobs never given a chance.
More education of local communities is needed, and the state and local governments have an important role to play.
Ensuring the long-standing, fundamental right to develop your private property in accordance with the rules is upheld.
Whilst one side of SA politics is yet to announce a plan on how they will address the housing crisis, the current government has delivered a week of oxymorons, which has shown us how fickle urban policy can be when it’s not coordinated with a strong plan for implementation.
As a closing plea to our politicians, please drop the ‘impossible solutions’ to deliver a ‘minor miracle’ and instead deliver a clear, comprehensive and cohesive plan.
Because, South Australia’s future depends on it.