Byron Shire Council and Homes NSW will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to accelerate the delivery of new social and affordable housing.
"Council approached Homes NSW earlier in March asking it to consider developing a Memorandum of Understanding and the document is now drafted," Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.
"The housing crisis in the Byron Shire is being felt by almost everyone," Mayor Ndiaye said.
"From the 245 people sleeping rough or in their cars, to key workers who can't afford to live near the jobs they do, to Indigenous community members, older residents looking to downsize, and families priced out entirely, the need is deep and it is wide.
"We need homes, and we need the infrastructure, services and community support to make those homes work.
"This MOU is about rolling up our sleeves and getting it done," Mayor Ndiaye said.
The Memorandum of Understanding is non-binding, providing a framework to:
- Expedite the delivery of new social and affordable housing.
- Achieve a new increase in social housing supply.
- Support urban renewal through the regeneration of existing Homes NSW housing assets.
- Improve the coordination, efficiency and transparency in housing-related planning and delivery.
"Importantly, it identifies priority focus areas for social and affordable housing, including the Mullumbimby Hospital site, where community outcomes will be at the centre of the project," Mayor Ndiaye said.
"Council and Homes NSW will also explore opportunities for the future use of the temporary housing village at Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads, to deliver ongoing housing outcomes.
"The most recent NSW Street Count found there were 245 people sleeping rough in the Byron Shire, the second highest figure in the State, and as a Council we are doing everything we can to tackle this very difficult and challenging problem.
When we work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve for our community, and I thank Homes NSW CEO Rebecca Pinkstone for her genuine partnership in making this happen," she said.
"While our record investment in housing and homelessness services has made a positive change to the number of people sleeping rough in Byron Bay, we know our job is far from over.
"The housing crisis is real and urgent, and this agreement is about cutting through barriers and accelerating the delivery of homes for people who need them most," Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said.
"By working hand in hand with Council, we can unlock sites like the Mullumbimby Hospital and deliver well planned housing that reflects the needs of the local community."
"This is about practical outcomes; this is about getting on with the job. More homes, better coordination, transparency and efficiency, so more people in the Byron Shire can have a safe and secure place to call home."
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said that the Minns Labor Government is focused on delivery.
"As Minister for the North Coast, fixing the housing crisis across our region is a priority and it takes a dedicated Labor team working together to get it done.
I want to thank Housing Minister Rose Jackson for her leadership and for listening to the unique needs of our community."
"By bringing Homes NSW directly to the table with Byron Shire Council, we are unlocking vital local sites like the old Mullumbimby Hospital and looking at smart, long-term options for Tweed Street in Brunswick Heads."
