Simplified process needed for affordable housing - Hart
A simplified process is needed to provide affordable accommodation of various types.
That was "a key message" of an affordable housing forum convened by Central Coast Council on Thursday, April 27, according to council Administrator Mr Rik Hart.
"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," he said.
Mr Hart said he asked Council staff to put on the Forum to get insights and perspectives from key stakeholder groups, and to ensure that community representatives had a seat at the table.
Among those to attend the forum were representatives of the Peninsula Residents' Association.
Mr Hart said forum participants discussed a range of issues and potential solutions.
Among the themes and "sticking points" were that "the Central Coast is vast and travel times are long, we need better infrastructure to support population growth," he said.
Other themes were:
"All three tiers of government - federal, state and local governments - need to work together.
"The type of housing that is currently being built is not reflecting the changing needs of the community, particularly for young and older people.
"We need to change our mindset from thinking about property as a wealth building tool rather than an essential element for quality of life."
Mr Hart said the State Government's Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 "anticipates we will require an additional 32,550 dwellings".
"Knowing that significant population growth is what the future holds for our region allows us to appropriately plan and prepare," he said.
"It is evident that there is genuine concern from all stakeholders and, equally, a willingness to find solutions to this real crisis on the Central Coast."
Media release, 3 May 2023
Rik Hart, Central Coast Council