Ahead of the Property Council's Housing Summit in Canberra today, ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the Progressive Residential Affordability Development Solution (PRADS), developed by Housing All Australians, offered an innovative solution.
"PRADS allows developers to provide below-market housing for essential workers in exchange for planning incentives - with full transparency, live compliance monitoring and long-term accountability.
"It's a compelling platform that directly supports the Chief Minister's view that any tax reform or incentive attached to LVC reform must deliver back for the community," she said.
Ms Berry said the Property Council had long called for a more balanced and transparent approach to the LVC system.
"Right now, the LVC model is stalling feasible housing projects. We need a framework that's fair, transparent, and which supports delivery - not delay," she said.
"PRADS can do exactly that - supporting moves toward more flexible LVC arrangements by guaranteeing accountability and long-term affordability outcomes.
"It offers a transparent, auditable system to verify that when developers receive a tax or planning incentive, they deliver genuine, below-market housing for Canberra's essential workers."
Recent Property Council research shows that Canberra's house prices have risen more than 115 per cent since 2007 while wages have grown just 84 per cent - leaving essential workers priced out.
"A dual-income couple - an ambulance officer and a nurse - can't afford a detached home in Canberra, and for single-income workers like childcare staff, rent alone can take up 40 per cent of income.
"Piloting PRADS in the ACT would demonstrate that reforms like LVC flexibility can translate into real, measurable community outcomes."
Housing All Australians founder Rob Pradolin will address today's Capital Region Housing Summit. He said PRADS provides governments with the assurance they need to partner confidently with the private sector.
"PRADS turns policy intent into measurable impact," Mr Pradolin said.
"It provides a digital compliance system that ensures affordable housing commitments are delivered and maintained - giving government full visibility and the community lasting benefit."
The Capital Region Housing Summit, hosted by the Property Council, brings together government, industry and community leaders to tackle Canberra's housing challenges, including planning reform, infrastructure coordination, financing, and innovative delivery models.
"With the Chief Minister signalling reform, this is the right time for government and industry to come together," Ms Berry said. "We're ready to work with the ACT Government to pilot PRADS and explore other practical solutions that help essential workers live where they work."
