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Tweed Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a plan which aims to tackle the significant shortage of social and affordable housing in the region.
Council has developed a draft Tweed Affordable Housing Strategy in response to unprecedented pressures on housing affordability and accessibility to affordable rental housing.
The current shortfall for social housing is 1,118 dwellings and 2,665 for affordable housing dwellings. Without intervention by 2041 it is estimated up to 4,885 dwellings will be required.
The draft Tweed Affordable Housing Strategy is being developed alongside the Tweed Growth Management and Housing Strategy, which looks at how the region can accommodate population growth and employment opportunities for the Tweed to 2041.
When completed, the Tweed Affordable Housing Strategy will give clear direction to proponents and community housing providers on how to unlock new opportunities for affordable housing.
Key components of the strategy include:
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Implementing measures to boost affordable housing units, including a mandated target of 10% social and affordable housing for new housing development within certain areas
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Forging partnerships with non-profit organisations and developers to improve housing availability and accessibility
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Exploring innovative approaches to address housing shortages
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Monitoring and reporting on the progress of social and affordable housing projects, including the number of units built, project timelines, and community impact
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Advocating for supportive policies at all government levels and engaging in outreach and education communications.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said housing reform was urgently needed in the region.
"With only 2.9% of homes in the Tweed being social and affordable, and 47% of renter households under rental stress, it's clear affordable housing supply is out of step with our community’s needs," Cr Cherry said.
"This Strategy represents significant progress in trying to address the housing crisis and ensuring that everyone in the Tweed has a place to call home.
“Council does not build homes but we can implement policy to require a percentage of homes to be affordable and we can encourage the building of homes to start to fill this gap. We need homes that our service workers, baristas and cleaners can afford. Without this, we will not be a strong, resilient community.
"We are asking residents to take the time to review the draft Strategy and tell us what you support, what your concerns might be, or if you have other innovative solutions that could be considered.”
Council is asking residents to review the draft Tweed Affordable Housing Strategy and provide input before 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How to have your say
The draft Strategy, along with Frequently Asked Questions and Fact Sheets, can be viewed at yoursaytweed.com.au/affordablehousing. Review the draft Strategy and provide input before 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
Online information sessions will also be held during the exhibition period, and community members can register on Your Say Tweed.
Note:
Council collaborated with consultancy group URBIS to develop this draft Strategy and expresses gratitude to all the key partners and community groups who have provided valuable feedback through extensive workshops. These include Councillors, the Tweed community, Community Housing Providers, service providers, Aboriginal groups and Council staff.
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