Bega Valley Shire Council is calling on the state government to urgently announce and implement essential reforms to clarify the status of tiny homes and other portable dwellings.
"We have been raising these issues with the state government and advocating for clarity for over two years, yet nothing has changed," Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said.
"We've met with Ministers time and time again, and while they say they understand, we are yet to see any changes or clarification."
The current NSW planning framework doesn't recognise 'tiny homes' as a legitimate housing type, resulting in a range of products marketed and sold as tiny homes or caravans that do not comply with existing regulations. Under state planning laws, these structures can't be approved.
"There is significant confusion in the community regarding what constitutes a caravan under the legislation and the conditions under which a 'tiny home' or caravan require approval," Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
"When incorrect information spreads or assumptions are made, people might end up purchasing or choosing to live in a home that can't be approved under state legislation.
"In these cases, we have to follow state planning laws and take action, which can lead to unfair criticism of Council and our staff—yet we are simply enforcing state government legislation to ensure safe housing for people and the environment.
"The legislation needs to be updated and the state government needs to issue its position on these structures now. The community needs better guidance, and the NSW Government needs to take responsibility for the angst and frustration being felt across NSW. This is not a matter for later this year; it requires attention now."
Council will be writing to the NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard, inviting him to visit the Bega Valley Shire and experience these challenges firsthand.
