By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A HALLAM-based home builder expects job opportunities to increase within his industry, after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released its latest market report last week.
The report indicated that the number of dwellings approved nation-wide has increased by 1.3 per cent in January 2014, having risen steadily over the past 15 months.
Victoria experienced an increase in 1.4 per cent in dwelling approvals, while approvals for private sector housing rose by 2 per cent in January.
Hotondo Homes Hallam builder Tim Van Dam said the report was great news for securing the industry’s future, job prosperity and consumer confidence.
“Our clients want to feel comfortable financially before they build a home,” Mr Van Dam said.
“To know Victorian housing approvals have increased, and have been steadily increasing is comforting not only for prospective home builders but for the growth and security of the domestic building and construction industry.”
Mr Van Dam said the signs were encouraging for an industry that had been “plateauing a little bit.”
Mr Van Dam said demand for properties in the state’s south-east had certainly increased, and he expected this to lead to a rise in jobs.
“There will be more employment because there are more houses being built, more tradesmen needed and more work to go around,” he said.
“There will also be more investment in infrastructure.
“We’re already noticing more interest in our display homes at Berwick Waters estate, and this will lead to work all around. Geographically, the effects are widespread.”
Victoria’s Planning Minister Matthew Guy, who is currently reviewing plans to develop new infrastructure in the City of Casey, said there is exciting potential for the growth and development of commercial and industrial land in Clyde North.
“Planning of the Thompsons Road, Clyde Creek and Casey Fields South precincts will be co-ordinated to ensure the effective provision of infrastructure, open space and community facilities, as well as providing locations for major and local town centres and local employment opportunities,” Mr Guy said.
