The Local Housing Strategy recognises our region’s housing challenges and outlines a number of ways to address these in the short term and through to 2041.

A Central Coast Local Housing Strategy has been developed with feedback from community engagement, to address the local housing challenges impacting our community and region, including:
•    continued rapid population growth
•    a shortage of low-cost rental accommodation
•    lack of housing diversity

A coordinated approach across all levels of government and the private sector is required to support diverse and sustainable housing on the Central Coast, and respond to community concerns.

Our Local Housing Strategy outlines Council’s role and sets the agenda for work that we will undertake in the coming years to address these challenges at a local level - in a coordinated and collaborative way.

Council activities will support and encourage the responsible delivery of additional housing that’s diverse, affordable and resilient to climate changes with suitable protection of community green spaces and the environment. Importantly, our activities will also support the delivery of adequate infrastructure and service planning to cope with additional housing developments.

Key pieces of work include the Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme, amendments to the Central Coast LEP and DCP to promote greater delivery and diversity in the housing stock, and continued participation in the Urban Development Program to ensure infrastructure is delivered where it is needed.

Community consultation 
There was a high level of engagement from the broad community and key stakeholders during the public exhibition of the Local Housing Strategy.

Council received more than 100 formal submissions during our community drop-in sessions, as well as gained insights from developers and other key agencies including Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, Heritage NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and Schools Infrastructure NSW.

Community concerns and ideas raised during the public exhibition were thoroughly considered to ensure the Local Housing Strategy meets the needs and aspirations of the community without compromise to the characteristics that make the Central Coast a desirable place to live.
 

Next steps 
The Central Coast Local Housing Strategy was adopted at Council’s 28 May Ordinary Meeting and is now progressing to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for endorsement. 

Once endorsed by the NSW Government, the Central Coast Local Housing Strategy will be available on Council’s website and will be one of the key Strategic Planning documents for our local government area.

More information? 
Read more and view the draft Central Coast Local Housing Strategy within the 28 May Ordinary Council meeting report and attachments on Council’s Meeting Agendas and Minutes web page.

Read more about Council's engagement activities for this project at yourvoiceourcoast.com