With restrictions now easing across the State, the Tasmanian Government is taking action to rebuild a stronger Tasmania.

There is no doubt that housing will play a key role in our economic and social recovery from COVID-19 as it will create jobs and stimulate our economy, while also providing more affordable and social housing for Tasmanians in need.

Our $3.1 billion construction blitz will deliver up to 2300 new dwellings, including social and affordable houses across the state.

This includes 1000 new social houses to be delivered under new agreements with Community Housing Providers, and we are bringing forward the construction of another 220 new social houses by 2022 – a year earlier than planned.

We are also broadening the eligibility requirements for our successful HomeShare program to give even more Tasmanians the opportunity to reduce the initial cost of buying a house and the monthly cost of owning it.

It’s a game-changer for our building and construction sector and will create jobs when they are needed the most, with far-reaching benefits across the entire supply chain, while also delivering more social and affordable housing for those who need it.

It's in addition to broadening the eligibility of the existing $20,000 First Home Owner’s building grant, to owner occupiers who contract to build in 2020, which will increase building and construction work and add to housing stock across the State.

Combined with the Federal Government’s $25,000 grant, this makes Tasmania the best place to build a house right now with the opportunity to secure $45,000 in assistance.

It will add to the work already underway as part of our second Affordable Housing Action Plan, with 400 social houses built in the 12 months to April and around 250 more currently under construction as well as several other significant projects.

Our building and construction sector played a vital role in building our economy into one of the strongest in the nation, and it will play a vital role as we work our way back and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

We will continue to do all we can to deliver new social and affordable housing in Tasmania that will provide safe and secure housing for Tasmanians while creating jobs and supporting businesses in their time of need.