Housing supply and affordability on the Central Coast, and throughout the state, could be set to improve with the NSW Government announcing it will accept all 15 recommendations put forward by the Regional Housing Taskforce.
The comprehensive suite of measures includes more homes for key workers, accelerating development assessments, and identifying options to use Government land for more social and affordable housing.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said the acceptance of all 15 recommendations, as well as investing $2.8B in housing as part of the NSW Budgetshows a commitment to addressing housing challenges.
“We are getting on with the job of easing housing pressures in the regions, both now and for the future,” Toole said.
“We’ve listened to the recommendations of the Regional Housing Taskforce and put together a comprehensive, multi-pronged plan to unlock land and drive the supply of new and affordable homes.
“It builds on the investment we’ve made through the NSW Budget to improve housing supply and ensure locals and key workers moving to the regions have a place to call home.”
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, Anthony Roberts, said regional councils will benefit from a share of $12M to help them plan for housing that is affordable, diverse, and resilient to natural hazards.
“The councils can apply for up to $250,000 each through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund, to help them undertake the up-front planning work needed to speed up housing delivery,” Roberts said.
“The grants will help councils deliver strategic plans, housing policies and technical studies that pave the way for new homes needed to support growing communities.
“Our initial $30M Regional Housing Fund is already helping 21 regional councils in high-growth areas deliver 25 new projects to provide services, open space and connections to fast-track a pipeline of new homes.”
The Government’s response also includes delivering around 270 more homes for key frontline workers in the regions, expanding the Urban Development Program to more high-growth regional areas and improving infrastructure coordination and delivery.
It also includes, among other things, improving data by auditing residential land, identifying infrastructure gaps and environmental constraints, establishing a clearer housing supply pipeline and identifying opportunities to use suitable Crown land for social and affordable housing development.
Councils have until September 30 to submit their applications for the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
Councils have until September 30 to submit their applications for the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
A spokesperson for Central Coast Council said the Council welcomes the opportunity, and is eligible, to apply for funding under the fund to assist with strategic planning work, for housing growth in the region.
For more information on the fund and to view the Government’s response to the Regional Housing Taskforce, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/regional-housing.
Source:
Media release, Aug 25
NSW Government