The peak body for local government in New South Wales is advocating for an increase of affordable housing for the state’s essential workers.
Appearing last week before a NSW parliamentary inquiry, Local Government NSW president Phyllis Miller said there was an urgent need for solutions. “Essential workers are fundamental to maintaining well-functioning, prosperous local communities and economies. These key workers need to be able to live in the communities they serve, and the planning system should play its part in facilitating that outcome.”
LGNSW recommended to the inquiry – which was established to examine options for essential workers’ housing – that the planning system could deliver affordable rental housing in perpetuity in well-located areas through the NSW government’s framework for affordable housing contribution schemes. “But councils have told us that developing and getting the schemes approved is a challenging and lengthy process,” said Miller.
LGNSW also recommended to the inquiry that when the government is implementing widespread upzoning though its major planning changes, it ensures mechanisms are in place to capture some of the development uplift for affordable housing.
Miller told the inquiry regional councils had additional concerns about the impact of major infrastructure projects, such as new hospitals, road upgrades, and renewable energy developments. “Without adequate housing and services, the influx of workers for these projects places additional strain on existing essential workers,” she said.
Miller urged the government “to work closely with councils to address these issues in a way that balances the needs of essential workers, vulnerable communities, and the broader housing system”.
The inquiry is due to report to parliament by 16 June.
Sydney site earmarked for essential workers
Meanwhile, a site in an inner west suburb of Sydney is being developed to provide affordable housing for essential workers who will be able to rent homes at a subsidised rate.
“Essential workers are feeling the impact of the immense cost of housing and many can’t afford to live near their jobs,” said Premier Chris Minns. “That’s why our plan is delivering this well-located, secure and accessible rental housing for the essential workers who keep Sydney running.”
Developed by state-owned corporation Landcom, the Camperdown site will feature 200 build-to-rent units offered at a discount to health workers, paramedics, firefighters, police, and teachers.
Five kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, the site – government-owned land which has been unused for years – sits alongside the Paramatta Road and is close to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
”We desperately need more affordable housing for essential workers in the inner west and this project will make a real dent in the problem,” Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Bryne said. “For years people have talked about the Parramatta Road corridor as being an ideal location for higher density housing, this project will actually make that happen.”
Leave a Reply