Whether you are sleeping rough or struggling to purchase your first home, an innovative new strategy will address housing insecurity on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council has placed the region’s first Draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy (the Strategy) on public exhibition and is inviting Coast residents to have their say before the strategy is finalised.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the Strategy had been developed after extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the housing sector.

“We know there are no affordable housing options for people on very low incomes. There is limited supply of one and two-bedroom homes as well as a long wait list for supported housing.” Ms Vaughan said.

“In 2016, there were around 24,200 households in the Central Coast LGA experiencing ‘housing stress’ and it is expected this number will grow to more than 30,000 by 2036.

“We have developed a comprehensive strategy with 28 interventions that are evidence based and likely to have a positive impact on local housing affordability and availability.

“The Strategy provides some initiatives which can be implemented quickly as well as long-term planning for the region.”

Ms Vaughan said the draft Strategy’s strength was in the identification of key partners who influence housing affordability.

“Affordable housing is a significant state and national issue. There are many parties and factors influencing the availability and cost of housing. While local government has a role to play in creating solutions, we cannot solve it on our own.

“We have chosen to take the lead locally and are working with stakeholders at every level of government, business and community services. This will ensure there are diverse and affordable local housing options which meet the needs of all people who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless.”

The Draft Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy will be on public exhibition until Monday, 8 October and can be viewed at Council offices and libraries as well as online at yourvoiceourcoast.com. Submissions must be received by 5pm on Monday 8 October 2018.