An independent report into the housing planning system in rural NSW has identified a lack of diversity, affordable homes, and just plain shortages as the main issues in the New England region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
No regional local government area in NSW has a rental vacancy rate about three per cent, the rate considered "well-balanced between supply and demand", the report shows.
"Since June 2020 rental vacancies have been falling across regional NSW," the report said.
READ ALSO:
"The impacts of rental shortages on regional communities were raised as a significant concern by stakeholders, with many households struggling to find appropriate accommodation, businesses struggling to attract workers ... increasing rates of housing stress, and even some households being forced out of their communities."
The report identified five issues: housing diversity, affordable housing incentives and requirements, infill development, shortage of rental properties and the community housing sector. Homes North chief executive Maree McKenzie said the report was a good start, but she would wait until she saw some real solutions to celebrate.
"It's a fantastic time and opportunity for regional areas. Governments have tried to decentralise and there's been a few initiatives to do that over the decades," she said.
Planning minister Rob Stokes said the taskforce had heard from more than 500 people.
The taskforce will release detailed recommendations in October.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark armidaleexpress.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters here
- Follow us on Twitter: @ArmidaleExpress
- Follow us on Instagram @armidale.express
- Follow us on Google News