Property groups demand TasWater state takeover to cut building costs

Housing groups are calling for the state to take over the water utility. Councils now own 90 per cent. Rising charges are squeezing construction.

Why it mattersHousing construction already struggles with high costs. Water charges are a direct cost for builders and buyers.

AustraliaTasmanians face steep new-home costs; if takeover happens, it could reduce building fees and ease affordability pressure in Tasmania's capital.

Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago

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Upper Hunter rents jump 12 per cent, forcing families into impossible choices

Upper Hunter rents jumped almost 12 per cent in just one year, forcing families to choose between essentials and housing.

Why it mattersA $50 weekly rent rise is the difference between affording essentials and losing a home for households already stretched by cost-of-living pressure.