Northern Beaches Council has adopted its Northern Beaches Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, following community consultation and the release of the Frenchs Forest Planning Precinct proposals by the State Government in July.

Council also endorsed the Northern Beaches Affordable Housing Tenancy Guidelines, removing a requirement that all tenants must be permanently employed to access the scheme. 

Council recognises that key workers are becoming increasingly casualised and that it would be unreasonable for this type of employment to be excluded from the Scheme.

The Scheme enables Council to make provision for affordable housing in new or redeveloped housing precincts through a levy on developers.

It was introduced initially to apply to the Frenchs Forest Planned Precinct. In June, Council resolved to also include a new development in Narrabeen under the scheme.

The redevelopment at 1294-1300 Pittwater Road and 2-4 Albert St Narrabeen will deliver a contribution equivalent to more than $1.1 million, dedicated to Council as affordable rental housing.

When the State Government placed the Frenchs Forest Planned Precinct zoning proposals on public exhibition in July, Council also exhibited draft amendments to both the Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme and the Affordable Housing Tenancy Guidelines.

Mayor Michael Regan said the Scheme will help Council better meet local affordable housing needs.

“There is a critical shortage of affordable housing on the Northern Beaches for people on very low and low-to-medium incomes.

“Council is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing in the region for key workers critical to the economic and social development of the Northern Beaches.”

The Scheme can be extended to other areas that are rezoned or are subject to increases in residential density in the future.