HOUSING remains one of our biggest challenges in Port Stephens.
For the past few years, we’ve known that the lack of diverse and affordable housing has been impacting our local community.
The NSW Government has predicted that another 20,000 people will call Port Stephens home over the next 20 years.
That’s why we adopted the Port Stephens Local Housing Strategy last year.
This Strategy sets the vision for future housing growth, helping us deliver diverse, affordable housing to meet the future needs of our community.
To keep everyone in the loop, we’ve published our first annual report that shows our progress and how far we’ve come.
I’m proud that, over the past year, we’ve completed or started around 50 percent of the actions we set out to do.
In a win for more affordable and diverse housing options, our approvals for higher-density housing, such as dual-occupancy homes on one lot, have doubled in the past year.
That’s a positive step toward more affordable, diverse housing options.
We’ve also advocated to the State Government for changes to the planning legislation, making it easier to develop more affordable homes in Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace.
We’re delivering some of the fastest approvals in the state, and are the fastest in the Hunter, averaging 49 days.
Over 660 development applications have been approved, well above our 550 house approvals target.
However, we’re aware that the number of completed dwellings, as shown through occupation certificates, is still below these targets.
This trend, seen across the country, is driven by factors beyond our control, including tighter lending conditions, high interest rates, rising construction materials and labour costs, and industry shortages.
Where we face challenges, we’re taking action – undertaking investigations and rezoning more residential land, and supporting infill housing in existing centres.
We’re committed to ensuring everyone has a place to call home in Port Stephens whether they want to live close to work, are a family raising young children or residents looking to downsize as they grow older.
We’re in this together, and we’re working hard to make it happen.
By Leah ANDERSON, Port Stephens Council
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