 |
|
Newsroom |
|
|
5 January, 2004 Media Release Home buyers will shape election result Housing affordability for young people is set to become a critical federal election issue in regional areas, according to a group of leading regional businesses. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester says the Howard Government should consider providing a larger cash incentive to first home buyers in regional areas to address the shortage of skilled workers and encourage economic growth. Mr Chester said the proposal was raised in the Regional Business Development Analysis (RBDA) 'A Plan for Action' among recommendations to help country communities prosper. "The independent panel recommended the government undertake detailed research into the potential benefits of providing regionally based incentive payments over and above the existing First Home Owners Scheme," Mr Chester said. "First home buyers are currently able to access a $7000 grant. We are fully supportive of an additional incentive payment to regional home buyers as extra enticement for young families in particular to either stay in country towns or relocate. "The RBDA plan highlighted that home ownership is a form of commitment to a region which is only exceeded by family ties. "If we can make it more attractive and easier for young families in particular to buy their own home in regional areas, we will go a long way towards retaining skilled workers and helping businesses prosper." Mr Chester said recent interest rate rises, combined with increases in home prices, were squeezing young people out of the home market in many regional areas. The RBDA plan was prepared by an independent panel chaired by Dr John Keniry from the Ridley Corporation. The plan stated that an extra regional home grant would stimulate economic activity and create jobs in regional areas. "Access to affordable housing is one of the best ways to attract skilled workers to country towns and help our next generation of young leaders to get involved in regional life," Mr Chester said. "When the government formally responds to the RBDA plan there will be many first home buyers keen to see what the Coalition is prepared to do to help regional communities prosper. "One of our aims is to 'help bring our kids home' once they have received additional training or experience in the city.Our message is you can have a successful career in the bush and a regional housing incentive scheme would be a positive step that will attract people back to rural and regional Australia. "Our
country communities already offer an outstanding quality of life but
we do need a little help from the Government to build the infrastructure
and sell a positive message to businesses and the wider community."
|
|
|
|
|
