In Port Stephens, there's been a decline in housing affordability and a severe lack of affordable housing. Currently, there are only 35 affordable rental houses in the area, which is less than 0.001% of all homes in the local government area (LGA).
We've identified that the "accessibility requirements" in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) were a significant barrier to developing new affordable housing. The existing bus network in large parts of the LGA didn't meet the "accessibility requirements" in the Housing SEPP, limiting the potential for new affordable housing.
As a result, we requested the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure amend the Housing SEPP to align the requirements for affordable housing in Port Stephens with those in other regional areas. The requested amendment would allow new affordable housing to be developed within 800m walking distance of town centers.
In August 2024, we were informed by Minister Scully (Minister for Planning) that amendments to the Housing SEPP would be published. The amendment exempts Port Stephens LGA from accessibility requirements in the Housing SEPP.
This exemption means that affordable housing is now permitted on land zoned E1 Local Centre or MU1 Mixed Use, or within 800m of land zoned E1 and MU1 across the entire LGA. This includes areas such as Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Raymond Terrace, and Tanilba Bay. Additionally, the affordable housing bonuses (height and floor space) announced in late 2023 will also apply to these areas.
