Port Stephens Council is calling on the community to help shape the future of local housing by providing feedback on its draft Affordable Housing Action Plan.
Like many regions across New South Wales, Port Stephens is currently facing critical challenges regarding housing supply, diversity and long-term affordability.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said housing affordability across Port Stephens has steadily declined since 2016, placing increasing pressure on low- and moderate-income households.
"With daily living costs climbing, the dream of a secure home is slipping out of reach for too many in our community. In just five years, average house prices and rental costs have doubled in Port Stephens," Mayor Anderson said.
"These housing pressures are affecting everyone. From young people seeking independent living to older residents looking to downsize and stay in their local community.
"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.
Council's draft Affordable Housing Action Plan is a direct action from the Port Stephens Local Housing Strategy (2024) and was endorsed by Council on 22 September for public exhibition.
The draft plan sets out 20 clear actions across three priority areas: advocating for additional funding to the State and Australian governments; using our planning systems to make it easier to invest in affordable housing in Port Stephens; and building strong partnerships.
Mayor Leah Anderson said that delivering more homes relies on strong partnerships with residents, developers, community housing providers and all levels of government.
"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.
"By working together, we can align planning, funding and infrastructure, unlock more homes more quickly, create local jobs and ensure everyone in Port Stephens has access to a safe, secure and affordable place to call home."
"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.
The community is encouraged to view Council's draft Affordable Housing Action Plan and provide feedback during the public exhibition period, which runs until 4 November 2026.
To view the document, learn about the differences between social and affordable housing and to make a formal submission, visit https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/council/public-exhibitions/current-public-exhibitions
