Housing loss ‘shocking’

THERE has been a net loss of social housing in Hobart over the last five years, according to “shocking” new figures released by the state government.

However, Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds says the statistics don’t paint the full picture and that there are 76 dwellings under construction in the city, with another 29 approved by the Hobart City Council last week.

In response to questions from independent Nelson MLC Meg Webb, the government revealed there had been a net loss of nine social housing dwellings in the Hobart local government area from 2017-22.

There was a net increase of just nine dwellings in Kingborough in the same period.

Meanwhile, net increases of 177 and 128 dwellings were recorded in Glenorchy and Clarence, respectively.

The figures were based on the number of dwellings demolished and the number of new builds completed.

State Development, Construction and Housing Minister Guy Barnett noted that properties were sometimes transferred to community housing providers for management or ownership, while others were sold for affordable housing.

Ms Webb cast doubt on the government’s plan to build 10,000 new social and affordable housing properties in the next 10 years, saying it appeared unlikely to eventuate “if past performance is anything to go on”.

“Hobart and Kingborough are … closer to services and the supports that are needed and we absolutely have to create opportunities for all income groups to live in those areas,” she said.

Ms Reynolds said she was “surprised” by the figures because the council had approved all social and affordable housing projects submitted to it in the last four years.

“Some of these projects are completed already and there’s also 50 social housing dwellings under construction at the former Waratah Hotel in Murray St and another 26 under construction in Campbell St next to the TAFE College.” Tenants’ Union of Tasmania principal solicitor Ben Bartl said while 305 new social housing properties across greater Hobart were welcome, a rate of 55 dwellings being built in the region each year was “clearly not enough”.

“It is shocking to think that there are less social housing properties in our capital city than there was five-and-a-half years ago,” he said.

Mr Barnett said that 381 new long-term homes had been built across Tasmania in the 12 months to August 2022.