Hundreds of community members, industry experts and councils have taken part in online meetings this week, as the Regional Housing Taskforce begins its virtual sessions in regional NSW.
Chair of the Taskforce Garry Fielding said the first round of meetings had provided valuable feedback on how the NSW Government can use the planning system to address regional housing supply.
“We invited the public to share its views on the regional housing sector and we’ve been appreciative of the input so far,” Mr Fielding said.
“There is no better way to understand a community’s needs than by listening to personal experiences.”
Mr Fielding said due to COVID-19 restrictions in parts of regional NSW, in-person meetings scheduled for Ballina, Orange, Queanbeyan and Newcastle have all moved online.
“Despite a number of regional areas going into lockdown this week, we have heard from councils, local members of Parliament, the housing and development sectors, and community,” he said.
“They are supportive and receptive of our work and I encourage more people to join the conversation.”
So far, approximately 300 people from throughout NSW have registered to attend, with seven virtual roundtables to go.
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces will receive an independent report with the Taskforce recommendations in October.
