Affordable housing group established

Gosford Council has established an affordable housing reference group that will help establish an affordable housing strategy by the end of this year.

The strategy is a response to the increased demand for housing and the need to support more vulnerable community members such as residential park tenants.

The reference group includes key community groups, government agencies and local housing stakeholders.

The group will meet monthly until the end of the year.

A draft affordable housing strategy is expected to be presented to Council and placed on public exhibition for adoption by the end of the year.

"The strategy will identify the role of Council in providing affordable housing options in new developments, best practice models and to develop policy that supports those most under threat of losing their home such as residential park tenants," the Council was told.

A part-time affordable housing officer, Ms Sally Anderson-Day, was appointed in December to lead the development of the affordable housing strategy.

A forum was held by the officer in February to find out more information from key stakeholders about the issues specific to the Central Coast.

Council Agenda, EP 018, April 20