GIA Joins Forces with Turf & Landscape in Response to Homebuilder

Over recent months, Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) has diligently worked at a national level to sure-up the primary supply channels for greenlife.

Primary production nurseries are supported through GIA’s ongoing representation on the Hort Council and last month, promotion of independent garden centres was bolstered through the launch of the Plant Pals initiative.

Last week, GIA joined with Turf Australia and State Landscape Associations in NSW, VIC, WA, QLD and SA in an effort to influence the fourth stimulus package for home renovations.

The associations jointly wrote to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar requesting landscape construction and greenspace installations be included in the HomeBuilder package. You can read the letter here . Additionally, a media release was circulated to major national outlets highlighting the industries' collective value.

The announcement of the HomeBuilder package on 4 June did not specifically address the needs of the alliance of greenlife, turf and landscape associations. GIA has contacted Michael Sukkar’s office for clarification of the details who advised HomeBuilder could be used for landscaping to a new dwelling or renovation if it will improve the safety and accessibility to the dwelling but not to improve the aesthetics of the property.

A media response was circulated on Thursday afternoon highlighting the benefits of greenlife and outdoor spaces and some social tiles were developed for Members to share, encouraging people not to forget their outdoor spaces and gardens.

The GIA Board sees the collaborative approach of the joint landscape, turf and greenlife organisations as an opportunity to represent the broader green industries federally. We are looking forward to working with the alliance as we represent this, and future issues to the Federal Government.