Byron Shire Council is aiming to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Homes NSW to focus on faster delivery of new social and affordable housing on sites like the former Mullumbimby Hospital site.
"An MoU, while not legally binding, is a shared commitment between Council and Homes NSW to exchange information and identify opportunities for much-needed affordable and social housing in our area," Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.
"It would provide a clear framework for ongoing discussions with Homes NSW including development models, funding mechanisms and delivery arrangements that could be applied to sites such as the old Mullumbimby Hospital.
"Broadly an MoU would define shared principles where both parties, Council and Homes NSW, are committed to achieving housing outcomes in line with community expectations," Mayor Ndiaye said.
An MoU would be the latest initiative Council has instigated to address the housing challenges in the Byron Shire.
"This is the next step as we try to address the housing crisis in the Byron Shire," Mayor Ndiaye said.
Other proactive initiatives in the last 10 years include:
- Establishing a Community Housing Trust.
- Implementing a 60-day cap on short term rental accommodation.
- The adoption of a developer contributions framework to support affordable outcomes.
- Collaboration with community housing providers to deliver new housing supply.
