Housing Affordability

The last few weeks seem to have been all about housing, and more specifically housing affordability. The media is talking about it, many architects are writing articles about it, and the Australian Institute of Architects is engaging in various levels of advocacy to promote a pathway towards it.

Our National President, Ken Maher, spoke at Parliament House recently on the topic. The breakfast was attended by up to 50 politicians, and by both National Council and ACT Chapter Council members. It was an excellent networking event, and we intend to continue to host these in the future. You can access Ken’s speech here.

I have been to several meetings with our MLA’s to talk about policy changes and demonstration projects. It’s comforting to see all political parties in support, but a little frustrating that there hasn’t been any traction to date!

Recently I met with MLA Caroline Le Couteur, Chair of the government’s planning committee, to discuss the possibility of a Nightingale project in Canberra. We will also be meeting with MLA Yvette Berry when she returns from visiting The Commons in Melbourne.

Our Planning Committee is actively engaged in the topic also. Alan Morschel, committee chair, was on a panel discussion by CURF entitled “Housing Affordability: Are we there yet?”. He is also regularly meeting with ACT Government decision makers to push for the realisation of the NEAT Housing competition.

Our Housing Taskforce, led by Allan Spira, is producing a document on Housing Choice in the ACT. This document will capture medium density housing projects within the ACT and discuss the benefits of each typology. There will also be opportunity to illustrate some dynamic projects from interstate and internationally. If you have a favourite development that you think should be included, please let us know!

Finally, the awards are well underway. There were over forty projects, of which a large proportion were housing. I think this says something about the energy in the housing industry at present. This year architects have an opportunity to meet the jury at the site and discuss in more detail their projects. Good luck with the site visits everyone, including our dedicated jury members.

Rob Henry
ACT Chapter President