Opposition visit in Beveridge

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton made an appearance in Beveridge on Monday, where he engaged with Mitchell Shire Council, and unveiled new policies aimed at increasing housing supply.

The announcement details that an elected Coalition Government will launch a new Housing Infrastructure Programme (HIP) to invest in shovel-ready infrastructure.

Additionally, to address supply constraints, the Coalition announced its plans to freeze any further changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) for the next 10 years.

Accompanied by Shadow Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar and Liberal Candidate for McEwen Jason McClintock, Mr Dutton said he was pleased to hear from Council and the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) about land release.

“It was great to be back in McEwen today, with our candidate Jason McClintock,” he said.

“These challenges in dealing with the enabling infrastructure rollout facing local councils are exactly the kind of issues that our Housing Infrastructure Programme seeks to address.

“Our housing policy is a huge game changer. I want to give hope again to people who have lost hope of home ownership, and that’s exactly what our housing policy is about, restoring the dream of home ownership.”

Mitchell Shire Council welcomed Mr Peter Dutton – providing an opportunity to highlight the urgent infrastructure needs of the rapidly growing area.

With the population expected to double within the next five years, Council viewed the visit as a chance to advocate for vital infrastructure that will support the area’s growth, promote road safety, and ease congestion.

Mitchell Shire Council Chief Executive Brett Luxford said investment in Old Sydney Road was a crucial step in preparing for the region’s future growth.

“Communities like Beveridge need robust infrastructure to support families, businesses, and workers,” he said.

“Reliable road access is essential not only for everyday life but also for unlocking future housing developments.

“An upgrade of Old Sydney Road will ensure Beveridge is not just a place to live but a community that can grow sustainably into the future.”

Chief Executive of NGAA Bronwen Clark added that projects such as the Old Sydney Road upgrades were vital to helping realise the potential of growth areas like Mitchell Shire.

“These outer-metropolitan communities often fall between the cracks of CBD and rural infrastructure funding, impacting the delivery of schools, hospitals, green spaces, transport, roads, and other essential amenities,” she said.

“Growth areas like Mitchell Shire have the potential to help solve the housing crisis, having already accommodated nearly 35 per cent of Australia’s recent population growth.

“Delivery of effective infrastructure funding is vital for creating thriving communities for the 5.6 million Australians living in growth areas.”