Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has called on regional councils to play their part in solving the rental accommodation crisis engulfing regional NSW.
Speaking at the Regional Development Australia Inland Growth Summit, held at Lazy River Estate in Dubbo, Mr Saunders outlined the NSW Government’s push to attract jobs and people to rural areas.
“As a government we have already announced four hubs – Dubbo, Queanbeyan, Coffs Harbour and Armidale – for jobs with the Department of Regional NSW and the desire is for the vast majority of jobs with that department to be based in those regions,” Mr Saunders said.
“We’re also promoting other public sector jobs as “regional preferred” and the Department of Regional NSW is establishing a concierge service to work with the private sector in bringing businesses, jobs and people to the bush.
“No government has done this before. No government has placed such a huge emphasis on bringing more jobs and more people to regional NSW.”
Mr Saunders added local governments need to look at ways they can assist with the influx of people looking to move to regional centres, whether they be in the market to purchase or rent a property.
“There are going to be thousands of jobs in a variety of sectors, and the one thing the people filling them will all need is somewhere to live,” he said.
“I really think housing -or the lack of – could be one of the main limiting factors in attracting people to the amazing jobs coming up.
“We’ve heard time and again about the diabolical state of the rental market and how hard it is for people to find accommodation.
“It’s hard to provide jobs and attract people if there’s nowhere for them to live, and councils need to look at not only opening up more land for development, but just as importantly the provision of more medium-density housing options, as we look to cater for a variety of age groups and employment sectors.”
Dubbo Regional Council as owner of a big area of residential land and the regulator for per missable use is the only entity able to turn around the supply of medium density land to the market.
REINSW- Orana Division first brought the lack of housing choices in Dubbo to the attention of Council in 2005 as part of the working party, UADS review , (residential.). Whilst some progress has been made in the 2011 LEP, with dual occupancy zoning, it is the lack of medium density housing which is at the heart of the current rental crises in Dubbo. Despite REINSW making further submissions to Dubbo Council annual management plans in 2019 and 2020, the Council has not responded with any meaningful action to address the issue.
In 2014 some Councillors created the “ Save our South” campaign for political purposes. I suggest it is now time for them to change it to “ Save our Dubbo”
Bob Berry
There are plenty of 10 acre blocks, whose owners would like to subdivide into 5 acre or 2 acre blocks, but are not allowed to. This needs to change. It is my understanding that it is the State Government who refuses to rule accordingly.
The high prices for houses at Dubbo is leaving many unable to buy a house. The dream of owning a home is becoming very hard to accomplish for some. There needs to be a decrease in housing prices. So many houses the same scenario. You put in a bid and someone puts a higher bid. So unfair on young people trying to buy their first home.