The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the decision from the NSW Government to tackle the housing supply and affordability issues in regional communities through the release of the NSW Regional Housing Taskforce’s Recommendations Report today.
Property Council’s Illawarra Regional Director, Michelle Guido said streamlining NSW’s planning system and making the assessment of housing easier for certain types of housing was one clear way to deliver more homes across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
“It’s great to see that at a first glance the report recognises the key issues facing regional NSW in regard to housing supply and we would hope to see actions implemented in a timely manner to realise tangible outcomes for the future of housing,” Ms Guido said.
“Our population growth is on the rise across the Illawarra Shoalhaven and as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, this is unlikely to stop, with more people migrating to the regions from major cities more than ever and putting extra pressure on the housing market.
“We have regularly advocated for an overhaul of NSW’s planning system so any action from this report that addresses housing and affordability issues will be welcomed by industry, business and those looking for a home across the region.”
Ms Guido said the new planning levers to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing would play a critical part in alleviating housing supply pressure.
“We welcome the report’s recommendations to introduce standard planning pathways for temporary worker accommodation, establish an ongoing program to deliver new and renewed social and affordable housing in the regions and to facilitate the strategic use of government owned land for affordable housing by removing policy obstacles.
“We look forward to hearing further detail from the Chair of the Regional Housing Taskforce, Garry Fielding at our Regional Housing Business Lunch Event being held on 1 December and working with the NSW Government and Local Councils in the implementation of the recommendations.”
