A Housing Forum organised by Central Coast Council has challenged all stakeholders involved in housing on the Central Coast to work together in genuine collaboration and consultation to try to solve the housing crisis facing this region.
Community members, developers, not-for-profit housing providers, government agencies, MPs and council representatives all came together on 27 April 2023 to discuss the current housing situation on the Central Coast, including council’s draft Local Housing Strategy, which is open for consultation until 3 May 2023.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Central Coast is currently home to some 348,000 residents.
“It is projected that our population will increase to over 404,000 people by 2041 – that’s another 55,000 people, or 2,800 people every year.
“To house these people, the government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 anticipates we will require an additional 32,550 dwellings.”
The Forum participants discussed a range of issues and potential solutions, but key themes and sticking points were:
The Central Coast is vast and travel times are long, we need better infrastructure to support population growth.
All three tiers of government – federal, state and local – 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.
“A key message that came out of the forum is that there needs to be a simplified process to provide affordable accommodation of various types. 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.”
Mr Hart thanked all participants for attending and acknowledged that the input from participants is invaluable, as it comes from those with ‘skin in the game’.
“It is evident that there is genuine concern from all stakeholders, and a willingness to find solutions to this real crisis on the Central Coast.”
The consultation period has closed and council will consider all submissions and make changes to the draft Local Housing Strategy, and a report will go to council in coming months.
