Councils seek feedback on housing affordability plans
Housing affordability has become a critical issue both in Sydney and in the regions due to soaring land prices, low interest rates, available land supply and infrastructure costs.
Over the past two years, the Federal and State Government have released discussion papers and policies proposing ways to address housing affordability issues. On 1 June 2017, the NSW Premier released the “Plan to Improve Housing Affordability”.
The Property Council released its housing affordability plan earlier this year and in the Illawarra, we are working with local councils to help shape local housing affordability approaches.
Shoalhaven City Council Draft Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy
Shoalhaven City Council has developed a draft Affordable Housing Strategy to respond to housing affordability in Shoalhaven through the implementation of strategies and mechanisms to increase supply.
The Property Council will be making a submission.
Shoalhaven has the highest level of housing stress and is one of the least affordable areas in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Region. The Shoalhaven market is generally unable to provide for most very low-income renters and low income purchasers.
The draft Strategy seeks to target the most effective affordable housing policy solutions in the context of local challenges through a range of strategies over the next 10 years. Initially focusing on strategies that are most likely to have a practical impact on the supply of affordable housing, it also provides for ongoing and sustainable engagement of Council in affordable housing through long-term strategies.
Wollongong City Council’s Draft Housing our Community Discussion Paper
The Wollongong City Council is also seeking comments on the draft Housing our Community discussion paper that provides an overview of the current and future challenges in housing. It forecasts trends and highlights issues that affect Wollongong’s housing future. The feedback will assist the Council in the preparation of a Draft Housing Strategy.
The Property Council will be providing feedback to the Council.
To get further information or provide feedback on either plan, please contact Regional Director Kim Rawson at [email protected] or 0437315198