newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council is seeking community feedback on a draft affordable housing plan that proposes 20 actions to address growing pressure on local households.
The draft Affordable Housing Action Plan focuses on seeking additional state and federal funding, using council planning processes to encourage investment in affordable housing, and building partnerships. Submissions are open until 4 November 2026.
Mayor Leah Anderson said housing affordability across Port Stephens had steadily declined since 2016, increasing pressure on low and moderate income households.
“In just five years, average house prices and rental costs have doubled in Port Stephens,” Mayor Anderson said.
“Key workers such as our teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality employees and emergency personnel are also finding it difficult to find a suitable place to live close to their work. Without affordable options, we’re facing severe labour shortages if key workers are forced to move away,” Mayor Anderson added.
The draft stems from the Port Stephens Local Housing Strategy (2024) and was endorsed by council on 22 September for public exhibition. It sets out a role for council in encouraging affordable housing development, rather than directly building homes.
“Our role as Council isn’t to build homes, which is why we plan to use our advocacy, planning processes and partnerships to create the right environment for the housing industry to deliver more affordable houses.”
The council’s Homelessness Stakeholders Advisory Group contributed to the draft, which is now open for broader community input.
“Our Homelessness Stakeholders Advisory Group helped shape the draft plan, and we now want our community to read the plan and tell us if we’re heading in the right direction,” Mayor Anderson added.
Residents can view the draft, find information about the differences between social and affordable housing, and make a formal submission through Port Stephens Council’s public exhibitions page.
