newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council has sold land at 9a Bareena Street to Hume Housing, earmarking the proceeds for roads across the region while the community housing provider considers the site’s future use.
The sale of the council’s operational land followed the closure of the road reserve. Council said Hume would be responsible for developing the site, but the provider is still assessing local housing needs and its options for the land.
The announcement did not include a sale price, proposed dwelling numbers or a construction timetable.
“While we’re still considering the best future use of the land, we know that opportunities like this are increasingly rare and play an important role in helping community housing providers respond to growing housing demand,” Hume Housing chief executive Brad Braithwaite said.
Mayor Leah Anderson said supporting affordable housing was one way council could help address local housing needs, while reinvesting the sale proceeds in roads would help fund community infrastructure.
Council says rising housing costs are making it harder for some Port Stephens residents to find a safe, secure and suitable place to live.
“We’re focusing on more diverse homes in town centres like Raymond Terrace so people can live close to shops, services, and public transport,” Cr Anderson said.
The sale comes as council seeks feedback on its draft Affordable Housing Action Plan, which outlines 20 proposed actions across advocacy, planning and partnerships.
The draft sets out council’s role in facilitating and supporting affordable housing, including working with organisations such as Hume Housing to help deliver more homes. It remains on public exhibition and is separate from Hume’s assessment of how to develop the Bareena Street site.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide feedback before submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
