Central Coast Council and Pacific Link Housing will work together on the design and delivery of an affordable housing development in Ashton St, The Entrance, in the first stage of Council’s Affordable Housing Land Proposal program.
Pacific Link was announced as Council’s partner on November 23, with the program a key initiative from the Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy which was adopted by Council in 2019.
Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, has welcomed the news.
“This project will ensure that much needed affordable housing is provided in the area to those who would otherwise struggle in the private market,” he said.
“The Entrance needs people living and spending here to sustain a vibrant local economy.
“The high number of holiday houses in the area (over 40 per cent) which are empty for much of the year means our local economy struggles outside of holiday periods.
“Having affordable accommodation in the area means residents will have more money in their pockets to spend in local businesses.
“Any project which provides the benefit of affordable housing and activating The Entrance Township will always have my full support.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy is a comprehensive plan addressing initiatives across the housing continuum, from homelessness through to home ownership, providing pathways for a range of households, from very low through to moderate incomes.
He said the Strategy is structured around three strategic themes: affordable housing partnerships; planning mechanisms and strategies to increase the supply of affordable and lower cost housing; and prevention and intervention to reduce homelessness.
“Affordable housing comprises various types of housing in both the private and public sector,” he said.
“It typically includes units, flats and other smaller lot dwellings that are less expensive than free standing homes.
“There is a common misconception that affordable housing refers to social or community housing.
“This is not true – affordable housing is much more than this and a diverse mix of housing types is required to meet the needs of our community.
“Over half (63 per cent) of all households on the Central Coast earn below $2,000 a week and need affordable housing.”
Hart said Pacific Link Housing demonstrated a strong understanding and empathy of requirements in line with the Strategy during an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process.
“Following the announcement of Pacific Link Housing, the intention is to move forward together to enable Council to achieve key objectives in the direct creation of affordable housing on the Central Coast.,” he said.
Pacific Link Housing Chairman Wal Edgell congratulated Council on its “vision and foresight” in adopting the innovative approach.
“We look forward to working with Council, local architects, consultants, contractors and the local community in developing affordable housing and potential community space,” he said.
“The proposed development will benefit all of community, from both a social and economic perspective, and provide secure housing to those in greatest need in our community.”
Pacific Link Housing CEO Ian Lynch said the proposal would have an integrated tenancy base, comprising largely affordable housing for key workers, with other tenancy arrangements to be included, but yet to be fully determined at each end of the housing continuum.
“Pacific Link Housing will manage the property in the long term, providing asset and tenancy management as well as the coordination of wrap-around support services as needed,” he said.
Hart said he was extremely proud of Council’s resolve in tackling the issue of housing in the region.
“We are leading the way and walking the talk with today’s announcement,” he said.
“It has been a challenging journey to get to this point, but I believe … we can really make a difference to many people’s lives here on the Central Coast.”
To view Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy visit https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/forms-and-publications/strategies-and-plans.
Terry Collins