Lake Macquarie City Council is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to address the pressing housing needs in the region. In a bid to combat Australia’s housing crisis, the council will be conducting a trial introducing ‘tiny homes’ in Belmont North. This innovative project is part of a comprehensive strategy that emerged from a housing forum held by the council earlier this year.
Mayor Adam Shultz emphasized the importance of exploring diverse solutions to the housing shortage issue. The forum brought together a multitude of stakeholders who shared a common resolve to think outside the box and collaborate on innovative approaches. The council’s holistic approach includes not only the tiny homes trial but also the development of new planning frameworks and financial incentives to promote affordable housing developments.
As part of the trial, two compact, cost-effective, and transportable homes will be placed on Council-owned land in Belmont North. These homes, significantly smaller than traditional housing, will be allocated to families in need through Allambi Care, a prominent service provider known for its work in the human services sector.
Allambi Care’s CEO, Simon Walsh, expressed pride in partnering with the council to provide innovative housing solutions for vulnerable community members. The introduction of tiny homes is seen as a practical and dignified approach to addressing housing affordability and homelessness, offering immediate shelter to those most in need.
In addition to the tiny homes trial, plans are underway to install prefab homes on under-utilized strategic land in Belmont. While these projects may seem modest in scale, they hold the potential to serve as models for future affordable housing initiatives if successful.
The council is also considering revisions to its Development Contribution Plans to incentivize affordable housing projects. Stakeholders have highlighted the need for these plans to support, rather than hinder, the development of affordable housing options.
Furthermore, the council is set to propose the establishment of a dedicated local infrastructure fund for regional communities grappling with housing affordability at the upcoming National General Assembly of Local Government.
On 30 June, Council will review the outcomes of the Housing Forum and the proposed Action Plan. The aim is to leverage under-utilized land, encourage innovation, and foster inclusive communities where everyone has a place to call home.
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