In response to the increasing housing affordability challenge, Council is preparing a contemporary Affordable Housing Strategy.
The updated strategy will set out how Council will contribute to improving the supply of affordable housing and investigate ways to make homes more affordable.
Mayor Amanda Findley said the provision of affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing the community and invited residents to provide feedback on the draft.
"Like many regional towns, Shoalhaven has experienced a shortage of housing combined with population growth and record high house prices and rents," said Cr Findley.
"Housing has become the biggest single cost of living pressure people are dealing with right now, with mortgage payments or rent the largest expense for most households," she said.
"In partnership with state and federal governments, Council will continue to meet the community's housing needs while supporting a sustainable development industry."
Council adopted an Affordable Housing Strategy in 2017 and has been working to carry out its recommended actions over the last five years. Council's work has included:
the adjustment of planning controls
gifting land for a significant affordable housing project
working with the state and federal governments to increase the supply of social housing and affordable housing.
Thanks to a grant from the NSW Government's Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund, Council commissioned planning and economic consultants to prepare the strategy and supporting research papers.
The strategy sets out measurable actions over the short, medium and long terms. These actions identify the work that Council can reasonably and practically achieve to assist with the provision of affordable housing, noting the limitations on local government's ability for direct intervention.
The draft strategy:
estimates the community's affordable housing need
identifies key challenges to the supply of affordable housing
sets out work Council can do to supply affordable housing and improve housing affordability.
sets proposed housing affordability targets to ensure they meet the communities' housing needs
supports a sustainable development industry.
To read the strategy in full and to have your say, head to Council's Get Involved page by 12 July 2024.
