Northern Beaches Council formally adopted a series of policy initiatives at Council’s meeting this week to address the pressing issue of affordable housing on the Northern Beaches.

Council Chief Executive Officer Mark Ferguson said there had been very strong community support for the draft Council policy, which was publicly exhibited in April.

“Council has a significant role to play in the provision of affordable housing and this Policy brings together work undertaken by the three former Councils on this important issue.

“There is a 10 percent target for affordable rental housing in areas like Frenchs Forest and Ingleside where housing density will increase, and a commitment to even higher targets where that is feasible.

“Affordable rental housing targets for other parts of the Council area will be established through Council’s new local housing strategy.

“Eligibility for affordable rental housing will be based on household income and social or economic association with the Northern Beaches Council area, for example key workers who are employed in the area or those needing access to family support,” Mr Ferguson said.

The policy would also see Council work with registered Community Housing Providers to manage affordable rental housing delivered through the development approval process.

Further investigation of other planning incentives and mechanisms to deliver affordable housing will be undertaken in association with the State Government, industry experts and the private sector and Council will continue to advocate for taxation reforms at the state and federal level.

 “Consideration would also be given to the construction of affordable housing on Council-owned land, where feasible.

 “The community has made it clear that for the Northern Beaches to continue to prosper, we have to tackle the issue of affordable housing

“We’re keen to start implementing Council’s new Affordable Housing Policy and to position ourselves as one of Sydney’s leading Councils on this issue,” he said.

Share