Kate's New Direction for Housing Policy
After decades of broken promises from major parties, our housing crisis is a direct result of policies that favour big developers and tax concessions over the needs of everyday Australians. Our community deserves a housing strategy that is practical, sustainable, fit for regional areas, and designed with local input.
Kate’s plan centres on key initiatives that address both immediate challenges and long-term community-led housing solutions.
Key Policy Initiatives
Special low interest rate for first home buyers
Advocate for a special low-interest rate for first home buyers to significantly reduce the financial barriers renters face when entering the property market. This initiative would lower monthly repayments, making homeownership more affordable and accessible for young people and those currently renting as they cannot afford to buy.
Infill Development
Develop new, affordable housing on vacant lots within established neighbourhoods to prevent urban sprawl while preserving the character of Calare’s towns. Medium-density housing, including townhouses, tiny houses, and duplexes, offers practical solutions for regional towns, supporting sustainable planning and environmental responsibility.
Repurposing Old Buildings
Renovate and convert underutilised structures into modern, liveable homes, preserving local heritage and reducing environmental impact. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, repurposing existing buildings retains embedded carbon and revitalises urban spaces. The Old Lithgow TAFE building is a prime example of this approach in action.
CBD Revitalisation
Increase housing options in central business districts to stimulate local commerce, create jobs, and enhance community vibrancy. CBD housing with close access to services, shops, and public transport can make regional towns more attractive, particularly for young people seeking affordable housing options or for those wishing to downsize in later life.
Community-Informed & Evidence-Based Solutions
Shape housing policies by engaging directly with local residents, councils, and businesses while leveraging robust research. This approach ensures that strategies improve affordability, support local economies, and provide long-term benefits to the community and environment.
Right-Sized, Greener Housing
Promote the construction of homes tailored to diverse household needs—singles, couples, families, retirees, and students—using sustainable, energy-efficient designs. This reduces power bills, lowers environmental impact, and ensures housing aligns with the real needs of Calare’s residents.
Infrastructure Investment
Ensure new housing developments are supported by essential infrastructure, including transport links, healthcare services, education facilities, and digital connectivity. Kate backs Helen Haines’ Regional Housing Infrastructure Fund, advocating for a fairer share of funding for regional communities.
Tax Reform & Renter Protections
Push for a forensic analysis of tax policies that contribute to housing inequality. Reforms should eliminate incentives that encourage property hoarding, such as negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. Additionally, stronger renter protections, fair leasing terms, and limits on excessive rent increases are essential to ensure housing security.
Boosting Regional Construction
Address rising construction costs and labour shortages by investing in training programs and offering incentives to stimulate regional building efforts, ensuring a steady workforce and more affordable housing developments.
A Stand Against the Status Quo
Kate’s approach is not just about building more homes—it’s about rebalancing priorities.
“For too long, governments have funnelled funds into major cities, leaving regional communities like Calare to fend for themselves. We need a system that supports local needs and builds for the future, not one that caters to profit-driven developers.”
It is important to pair housing expansion with essential public services. “It’s no good constructing more homes if we don’t have the industries, jobs, schools, and hospitals to support them.”
A Call to Action
As an Independent, Kate is not bound by party lines. She has the freedom to advocate for real, community-driven housing policy change—change that puts families and individuals first. It’s time to replace outdated policies with solutions that truly work for Calare.
Kate's plan prioritises community input, sustainable development, and accountable leadership. Her vision offers a balanced approach to addressing the housing crisis while paving the way for a resilient future.
The Need for Change
Current politicians are often hesitant to enact meaningful reform, as housing policies impact their own private interests. Recent reports indicate that over two-thirds of federal politicians own multiple properties, with one in seven owning more than four. True representation requires putting community needs before personal investment portfolios.
The solutions exist, but if we want action on housing, we need to start electing independents who are prepared to tackle the tough topics that the major parties have ignored for decades.