Council has strengthened its approach to housing and development by establishing a new advisory committee.
At its meeting on 27 October, Council decided to set up the Strategic Housing and Development Advisory Committee that will provide strategic advice on housing supply, planning reform, development facilitation and sustainable growth.
"This new advisory body brings together councillors, housing providers, industry and government stakeholders to help address housing and development challenges facing the Shoalhaven," Mayor Patricia White said.
"The new committee replaces the Affordable Housing Action Taskforce, Land Use Planning and Development Advisory Committee and Low-Cost Rental Initiative Working Group, which have been discontinued," Cr White said.
"Operating a single committee means we can reduce duplication, improve coordination and ensure that housing, planning and development issues are considered in a more strategic and holistic way," she said.
The Strategic Housing and Development Advisory Committee will feature three community members, one representing each ward, in its membership. They will be identified through an Expression of Interest process.
Council's immediate strategic planning focus includes delivery of a new Land Use Planning Scheme, a new Shoalhaven Housing Strategy, infrastructure planning and implementation of the Affordable Housing Strategy.
As part of its broader efforts to improve efficiency and strengthen decision-making, Council resolved to discontinue the Rural Fire Service Strategic Planning Committee, due to its work overlapping with that of the Rural Fire Service District Liaison Committee. Relevant planning discussions, reporting and collaboration will continue through the liaison committee and be reported to Council as required.
In a further change, Council will dissolve the Shoalhaven Development Industry Reference Group and replace it with a quarterly development industry newsletter distributed to industry representatives and relevant peak bodies.
Mayor White said the changes provided a more streamlined, consolidated approach to housing and development, making the best use of Council resources.
"Council is focused on planning for the future of our city and we need the right structures in place to support sustainable growth.
"I want to thank members of the outgoing committees for their valuable contribution to Council's work," she said.
