The Coast’s State Labor MPs are urging residents to have their say on a discussion paper set to inform a comprehensive review of Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) in the region.
It is the next step as the NSW Government continues to look at ways to address the housing crisis in the state.
Led by the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson, the four-week public consultation opened with the release of a discussion paper and an online questionnaire.
Through this review the Government will work with all stakeholders to ensure outcomes contribute meaningfully to increasing housing affordability, and stability on the Central Coast.
Specific feedback will be sought on: the adequacy of the STRA planning and regulatory framework, and options for improvement; and potential policy options, including measures to incentivise property investors to make properties available for long-term rental accommodation.
In NSW, housing affordability and availability are at their lowest levels in decades.
Building approvals and construction activity have slowed while building costs have skyrocketed.
Rental vacancies are low and there are more than 55,000 people on the waitlist for social housing.
The NSW Government is taking action to strike the right balance between supporting local communities and supporting the visitor economy and jobs, while addressing the homelessness, housing and rental crisis.
The review and potential reform of STRA is an important step towards fixing existing structural issues in the housing market.
All options are on the table in the review.
Visit the website https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/discussion-paper-short-and-long-term-rental-accommodation for more information and to have your say.
Member for Wyong, David Harris said long waiting lists are leaving individuals and families in difficult situations.
“It is important to hear our community’s concerns to tackle this issue,” he said.
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the Government is committed to addressing the housing crisis in NSW, delivering more supply and ensuring we have an equitable rental market and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said with rental vacancies at an all-time low on the Central Coast, a review of short-term rental accommodation is an important element of reforms.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the paper was a crucial milestone in addressing the housing crisis.