$10 Million for Griffith Housing Infrastructure – A Welcome Boost, But Too Little, Too Late?

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has welcomed a $10 million federal government funding

announcement to support housing infrastructure in Griffith but questions whether it is enough to address the impact

of past inaction.

Mrs. Dalton said: “This funding will definitely go a long way to restoring confidence in the community in trying to sort

out Griffith’s housing crisis, but is it too little too late?”

"The lack of progress with investment and development around here has had a significant impact on attracting families

and essential workers to the city. Hopefully with a relaxed development application process, Griffith City Council can

finally get the ball rolling on providing somewhere for much needed essential workers to live,” Mrs. Dalton added.

Griffith has been struggling with severe housing shortages for over a decade.

Following the 2013 housing collapse, the city’s housing growth plummeted from 250 new homes per year to just 13.

Even now, housing construction remains severely restricted, with only 40-80 homes being built annually. This limited

growth has compounded Griffith’s challenges, including skyrocketing rents, declining economic activity, and an

alarming homelessness rate.

Mrs. Dalton said: “It does seem that federal Labor are desperately trying to buy votes in the bush with this 11th hour, $10

million parachute payment for housing infrastructure in this electorate.”

“Labors reckless water policies, namely the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, and the ongoing water buybacks, are massive

contributors to the overall crisis in confidence in both council and government,” Mrs. Dalton added.

Mrs. Dalton also stressed the need for swift action to ensure the funding leads to tangible results without delay.

Griffith City Council has had a Griffith Housing Strategy since 2019.

“We need to see these projects fast-tracked to ensure development applications can proceed as quickly as possible.

The people of Griffith cannot afford to wait any longer.”

The Member for Murray reaffirmed her commitment to holding governments accountable for the policies that impact

the Murray electorate.

Mrs. Dalton said: “This funding is a positive step, but I will continue to fight for real, lasting solutions that address the

root causes of the housing crisis and restore fairness to our region.”