Northern Rivers Housing Forum Addresses Region's Housing Challenges
We recently hosted the Northern Rivers Housing Forum, an initiative aimed at tackling the housing crisis in the region. The forum brought together key stakeholders, counsellors, community leaders, and experts to discuss the housing challenges faced by communities in the region.
The forum highlighted the growing concern over housing affordability, availability, and delivery in the Northern Rivers area. A report completed by Solve Property Group found that housing affordability has significantly declined, with rental costs increasing in excess of 35-50% across the region, while the cost to service mortgages continues to grow. With limited options for affordable housing, the need for innovative strategies and collaborative efforts has become increasingly urgent.
The keynote address was given by social commentator and futurist Bernard Salt, who challenged the room to “boldly and ambitiously reimagine the concept of Seachange in designing a future housing strategy for the Northern Rivers region”.
Australia’s ongoing obsession with lifestyle will continue to fuel growth in the region. In the post pandemic era Australians still want the quality of life associated with living by the beach, however they want it in a way that aligns with current values of living within the environment. Welcome to “Seachange 2.0”. “Nowhere in Australia do all these market preferences come together more completely than in the Northern Rivers region of NSW”, said Bernard. “We need to find a way to provide housing for those who deliver the services, create the businesses, contribute to the community.”
Key topics discussed during the forum included:
Australia’s growing desire to live in lifestyle zones
Housing affordability and rental stress
Loss of youth within the region
The need for Government intervention
Policy and approval challenges
The need for a future focused strategic plan
The Forum concluded with a stakeholder discussion panel. Panelists included Bernard Salt AM; Chief Planner Gary White; Cr Chris Cherry, Mayor of Tweed Shire Council; Cr Michael Lyon, Mayor of Byron Shire Council; Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor of Ballina Shire Council; and Maxwell Shiffman, CEO of Intrapac Property. Diverse views were shared; however, it was very clear that all are united in the belief that it’s time to take collective action.
“We are thrilled to see such strong engagement from community leaders and stakeholders in addressing the region’s housing needs," said Michael Tilt, Founder and CEO of Solve Property Group. "The forum underscored the complexity and scale of the challenge facing the Northern Rivers region, and the importance of collaborative action and innovative approaches to find solutions.”
Directly following the event, several stakeholders called for ongoing dialogue - in response Solve Property Group are planning a solution focussed symposium to facilitate a path forward. Watch this space.
For more information about the Northern Rivers Housing Forum and updates on its outcomes, please contact Michael Tilt at admin@solveproperty.com.au
Bernard Salt and Gary White are both available for comment.
