Action Needed to Reduce Central Coast Housing Stress
Sep 4
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Implementing practical and sustainable housing solutions for all Central Coast residents needs to be a key priority of the newly elected Council, according to Team Central Coast.
This housing development must be strategically planned to address the diverse and evolving needs of our community, with priority given to locations where residents can easily access public transport, green spaces, and essential services.
Team Central Coast Leader, Lawrie McKinna, says with more than 32,000 additional dwellings needed to house our growing population by 2041, practical and affordable housing supply is potentially the biggest issue our community will face in the coming years.
“Housing shortages and a lack of affordable housing has already driven the Central Coast into housing stress, with inadequate housing supply also contributing to marginal housing, homelessness and a growing socioeconomic divide within our community.”
“The Central Coast’s population is projected to increase to 404,250 people by 2041 requiring an additional 32,550 dwellings, which is only adding to the pressure faced by many families.
Rental vacancies are at an all-time low of 0.6% and social housing wait periods exceed ten years. Low income renters make up 40% of the rental market, yet they have access to only 2% of rental housing.
Team Central Coast is committed to implementing practical and sustainable housing solutions to provide quality housing options that are affordable for Central Coast residents and families, with a strong emphasis on promoting affordable and social housing to enhance outcomes for our entire region."
Despite population projections and an increasing need for safe and affordable housing on the Central Coast, the development rate of medium and high-density dwellings has experienced almost no growth over the past decade.
In recent years, the Coast has experienced a 28% shortfall in new housing approvals against targets and these approvals are tracking below the previous 5-year average.
Mr McKinna says to enhance housing solutions, it is crucial to simplify approval processes and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“Effective planning to address our housing shortage requires improved coordination between all levels of government and industry, which means streamlining approval processes and ensuring a coordinated, collaborative effort from all sides to make addressing our housing supply situation a top priority,” adds Mr McKinna
“Additionally, proactive planning and investment in enabling infrastructure are vital to accommodate our future population growth, as well as contributing to the creation of liveable and well-connected neighbourhoods that every Central Coast resident can enjoy.”
TEAM CENTRAL COAST
Team Central Coast is community movement and a voice that encourages like-minded
independent candidates to become catalysts for change in regional governance. The Team Central Coast mission is simple and rooted in genuine consultation and collaboration with the community to achieve local outcomes that effectively address both current and future needs.
It is time for our region to come together, formulate a robust and inspiring vision, and
collaborate with all levels of government, business, and the community to ensure that the Central Coast remains an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
Lawrie McKinna
On behalf of the 15 Independent Candidates who form Team Central Coast
Media enquiries and interviews:
Lawrie McKinna
P: 0427 682 071
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