OF the 449 new residential houses approved by Port Stephens Council in the 2025/26 financial year, 354 have been built, according to a council report into its Local Housing Strategy.
While still below the target of 550 houses, it’s significantly above previous forecasts, highlighting a rebound from the recent decline.
New housing comes both from greenfield sites (previously undeveloped areas) and infill (new buildings on already-developed land). Infill is a particular focus, representing 41 per cent of dwelling approvals, up from 25 per cent in the previous year.
Originally adopted in 2024, the report highlights the progress made in reaching the targets needed to sustain the future population growth in the LGA.
It highlighted faster approval time for dwellings as a significant achievement.
It takes 49 days for the council to assess a development. Not only is this the quickest in the Hunter region, where the average assessment time is 73 days, but it’s among the fastest in NSW.
The strategy outlines 22 actions, including formulating strategies, place plans and planning proposals, the delivery of housing infrastructure, process improvements, promotions and advocacy, and sustainability outcomes, among other important developments.
Of these, 20 are either under way or completed in the Port Stephens LGA.
Mayor Leah Anderson described housing as one of the biggest issues facing Port Stephens, citing infrastructure costs, fragmented land ownership, community concerns, and an expected population growth of 20,000 people in the next 20 years as key factors.
“Everybody deserves a roof over their heads,” she said.
“Being able to provide housing opportunities is vitally important.”
By Nico LOMBARDO
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