B Petry & D Ridoutt, Suffolk Park
As long time Greens supporters, following Mayor Simon Richardson’s campaign launch we feel urged to comment.
Firstly, the changes brought in regarding the creation of granny flats and second dwellings has done next to nothing to promote affordable housing.
Instead, we have a growing culture of short term letting, especially through AirBnB.
Secondly, the support he showed in the past for the construction of 52 units in Beach Break (next to the Suffolk Park BP) was supposedly in support of ‘affordable housing’, even though he himself described the DA as a ‘bit of a dinosaur’.
Sadly, as predicted by the majority of the community, the units are not what would be classified as affordable housing. This was evident in the off the plan pricing of $500,000+ and prices now exceeding $700,000 for a two bed unit. They are rented for $595+ per week, which can not be considered affordable housing!
Rents in general have increased by around 30% over the past three years in Suffolk Park.
We ask Simon Richardson and his Greens Party to provide some real action on affordable housing.
All councillors should be aware of developers who tout proposals of ‘affordable housing’ as it seems it rarely follows that course.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
