Business leaders tackle housing crisis

Business NSW Central Coast recently hosted a highly anticipated NSW Premier’s Lunch, where the region’s housing affordability crisis took centre stage.

With special guests Premier Chris Minns and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris, the event provided a platform for key discussions on how to address the critical challenges facing the region.

The event highlighted the significant pressures faced by the Central Coast, where vacancy rates are alarmingly low – down to 0.6 per cent in some suburbs – and rents have soared.

Weekly rents for a three-bedroom house have increased by 45 per cent in Gosford and Wyong, and 47 per cent in Woy Woy since 2020.

These trends have created considerable difficulties for both businesses and the broader community.

“The housing crisis is one of the biggest issues impacting the Central Coast,” Regional Director of Business NSW Central Coast Scott Goold said.

“It’s not just about businesses being unable to attract and retain staff – nurses, paramedics, police, and hospitality workers are all being affected.

“Housing is fundamental to maintaining the vibrancy and wellbeing of our community.”

Business NSW Central Coast, in partnership with local industry peak bodies and business chambers, has leveraged off the successful recommendations made by the Housing Now! Alliance and launched seven key actions specific to the Central Coast.

“We need solutions that will deliver meaningful change, and that’s why we’ve identified seven key actions specific to the Central Coast,” Goold said.

“One of the most urgent needs is to accelerate housing development around our major transport hubs in Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, and Woy Woy.

“These areas have the potential to deliver much-needed affordable housing, but we need a clear approval pathway to make it happen.”

Another major focus of the strategy is ensuring that Central Coast Council has the capacity to efficiently process the large volume of development applications (DAs).

The Council currently handles more DAs than any other region in NSW, but resourcing issues continue to cause delays.

“We’re advocating for stronger resourcing and the use of technology, such as AI, in approval processes,” Goold said.

“The Council’s DA team works extremely hard to process such a high level of applications, but they need to be properly equipped to handle this demand and ensure housing projects can move forward without unnecessary delays.”

In addition to streamlining planning approvals, the peak bodies and local chamber group is committed to supporting the region’s construction industry.

With demand for housing at an all-time high, there is a clear need for more workers, including a focus on encouraging female participation and apprenticeships, they say.

“We need a strong and healthy construction industry if we’re going to meet housing demand on the Coast,” Goold said.

“That means supporting our builders and developers, reducing contractual risks and ensuring we have a steady pipeline of skilled workers.”

Another critical component of the strategy is infrastructure investment.

The recent Urban Ddevelopment Institute of Australia (UDIA) Central Coast Building Blocks report estimated $29M would unlock more than 2,000 dwellings currently in the planning system.

“Unlocking these homes is essential if we’re going to tackle the housing shortage head-on,” Goold said.

“The necessary infrastructure upgrades are vital to support the development of these dwellings and to ensure the Central Coast remains a viable place to live and work.”

Goold also highlighted the importance of promoting the benefits of the 2018 Gosford State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which supports high-density housing projects.

Projects like the Archibald in Gosford are already transforming the region, and Business NSW Central Coast is committed to encouraging further investment in similar developments.

“Gosford is already on the cusp of significant transformation, and we need to continue promoting its potential to attract developers,” Goold said.

“By highlighting the advantages of the Gosford SEPP, we can accelerate the delivery of high-quality housing projects that will benefit our entire community.”

The actions also focus on addressing the region’s affordable housing needs.

Central Coast Council has committed to identifying a minimum of three (but up to 10) Council-owned sites for delivery of new affordable housing.

Acceleration of this process will help meet targets set in its 2020 Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy.

“It’s crucial that we look at all options to increase affordable housing on the Coast,” Goold said.

“Leveraging Council-owned sites can help meet the needs of low-income and key worker households.”

These actions have been identified through close collaboration by Business NSW Central Coast, Pacific Link Housing, UDIA, Regional Development Australia, Central Coast Industry Connect, Property Council of Australia, Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Business Wyong, and The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

“The collaboration between these peak bodies is what will drive real change for the Central Coast,” Goold said.

“We’re united in our efforts to ensure that housing supply and affordability are addressed, and we’re committed to working with local and state government to make it happen.”

The Premier’s Lunch concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to continue working together to address the housing crisis and ensure the Central Coast remains a vibrant, sustainable, and accessible region.