Geelong builders warn rising red tape, taxes threat on homes target

Armstrong Creek is Geelong’s largest new housing corridor. Picture: Alan Barber Rising angst over red tape increasing the cost and complexity of housing construction comes as Geelong builders say recent tax changes slowing the property market is threatening the pipeline of new housing projects. Housing Industry Association (HIA) Victorian executive director Keith Ryan hosted a housing roundtable to offer political aspirants in Geelong a view of the housing construction landscape from the perspective of local builders. But Labor wasn’t there to the hear the builders explain the increasing pressures they’re facing in delivering the state’s ambitious 2050 home building targets, allowing Mr Ryan to claim the government had stopped listening to builders’ concerns. RELATED: Experts reveal best way to buy in a weak market Award-winning home sells after $1m price cut Wild ’70s ‘Vegas bathroom’ stars at retro reno Liberal candidate for Geelong Andy Pobjoy joined Socialist Alliance candidate and painter and decorator Brenden Grull and One Nation’s candidate for Western Victoria, Chris Burson were at the roundtable at Rydges Geelong. The HIA confirmed it also invited Labor’s Geelong MP Christ...