Have Your Say - Gilgandra Housing Strategy

Published on 02 March 2022

HAVE YOUR SAY - GILGANDRA HOUSING STRATEGY

Gilgandra Shire Council is seeking feedback on the draft Gilgandra Housing Strategy (GHS) which has been developed in response to the current housing availability pressures that are being experienced locally and was adopted at the February Council meeting.

The draft GHS has been prepared in line with the NSW Government Local Housing Strategy guideline and sets a vision consistent with Council’s strategic documents including the Community Strategic Plan and Local Strategic Planning Statement.

Gilgandra Mayor, Councillor Doug Batten says Gilgandra is facing unprecedented housing demand, with Council having an important role in understanding the issues and identifying ways to respond and support the local community.

“Housing and accommodation shortage is not unique to Gilgandra, it is happening right across the region and NSW more generally. Council has been gathering data and insights into our local housing trends over recent months and it has become clear that demand for housing and accommodation is very strong and cannot be met with current housing stock or available land”, says Mayor Batten.

Adding,

“The GHS identifies a range of actions for Council to progress, however a key one will be to investigate potential future release of Aero Park subdivision as part of budget deliberations for 2022/23 financial year. We know there is limited infill development opportunity and a clear lack of available land to build on at a time when demand is at a peak. We want people to call Gilgandra home and one way we can respond is by ensuring there are housing and land options available to meet the need”.

Understanding the local demographics is also important in considering the housing issue, as it helps Council plan appropriate response strategies. Gilgandra has an ageing population which we see as reflection of the high quality aged care accommodation and medical services that Gilgandra offers and is an important consideration in the GHS and actions moving forward.

The availability of social housing has also been identified as a major issue for Gilgandra, with Council seeking to engage with the various government agencies and providers in this space and advocate the need for investment as a priority to support our local community.

Along with population characteristics and trends, the draft GHS assesses the local issues, market trends, vacant land availability and employment trends, and the upcoming Inland Rail construction period which is expected to bring 400-500 workers to Gilgandra.

“Council is just one player in the housing conversation and we have an important role to play. There are many government agencies and stakeholders involved and it is critical to respond in a coordinated and strategic way to provide housing options for current residents and create opportunities to attract new residents. There is no quick way to fix the current housing shortage however the GHS is a key part of the process and forms an important foundation to build on moving forward” says Mayor Batten.

Adding,

“We encourage anyone interested to provide your feedback on the draft Strategy, and we also welcome ideas and opportunities that may not have been identified. Council will consider written submissions and a final report at its April meeting”.

The draft GHS is available on Council’s website here, with hard copies also available at Gilgandra Shire Library and Council’s Administration building in Warren Road. Submissions close 5pm Monday, 28 March 2022.

 

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Media Contact:         Kathryn Larkin

Marketing & Communications Manager council@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au