A housing forum organised by Central Coast Council has challenged all stakeholders involved in housing on the Central Coast to work together in genuine collaboration and consultation to try to solve the housing crisis facing the region.
Community members, developers, not-for-profit housing providers, government agencies, Members of Parliament and Council representatives all came together on April 27 to discuss the current housing situation on the Central Coast, including Council’s draft Local Housing Strategy.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Central Coast was currently home to about 348,000 residents.
“It is projected that our population will increase to over 404,000 people by 2041 – that’s another 55,000 people, or 2,800 people every year,” he said.
“To house these people, the government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 anticipates we will require an additional 32,550 dwellings.”
Forum participants discussed a range of issues and potential solutions, but key themes and sticking points were necessary infrastructure, the need for all levels of government to work together, the type of housing needed and a change in mindset.
With the Central Coast being vast and travel times long, the need for better infrastructure to support population growth was a key talking point.
The need for all three tiers of government – federal, state and local – to work together was emphasised.
The Forum found that the type of housing currently being built is not reflecting the changing needs of the community, particularly for young and older people.
It concluded that a change in mindset was required – from thinking about property as a wealth building tool to thinking of it as an essential element for quality of life.
“A key message that came out of the Forum is that there needs to be a simplified process to provide affordable accommodation of various types,” Hart said.
“To achieve this, more collaboration and discussion is required at all levels – government, Council, developers, community groups and, of course, the local community itself.
“We have to remove barriers but at the same time ensure that affordable housing is of good quality, fits in with its neighbourhood and most importantly provides what is needed to the demographics seeking accommodation.
“It was agreed that there is no silver bullet, but it was acknowledged that we need to think outside the square on solutions, listen at a local community level for ideas and also concerns about types of development.”
Hart said it was evident there was genuine concern from all stakeholders, and a willingness to find solutions to the crisis.
With submissions on draft Local Housing Strategy closing on May 3, Council will consider all submissions and make changes to the draft with a report to go to Council in coming months.
Source:
Central Coast Council