PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese visited Bridgewater last Wednesday to take a firsthand look at Tasmania’s housing crisis.

Just over a month from his election, Mr Albanese toured a housing site with Tasmanian Cabinet Minister Julie Collins who is the new Housing Minister.

The site was chosen as it is a good example of all tiers of Government working together. Brighton Council identified surplus land that created poor connectivity in a Bridgewater neighbourhood.

Council master planned and rezoned the land and then transferred it to Centacare Evolve Housing for free, on the condition that the master plan was implemented, including new road and pedestrian connections, a public park and approximately 50 new dwellings.

Centacare Evolve Housing also use these projects to provide apprenticeships, with 21 apprentices involved in the Bridgewater build.

Lyons Labor MP Brian Mitchell was unable to attend due to Covid. “It was terrific to have the Prime Minister visit Bridgewater last week with federal housing minister Julie Collins – I’m just sorry I was out with covid so was unable to host this historic first visit of our new PM to Tasmania,’’ Mr Mitchell said.

“The PM’s tour of a Centacare Evolve construction site underpinned the importance of affordable housing for the new federal Labor Government.

“We are committed to building 30,000 social and affordable homes over the next 5 years and will work collaboratively with agencies and all levels of government to get it done.

“Building homes provides much needed shelter for Tasmanians and jobs, apprenticeships and skills for our young people in the construction sector.”