Further to the latest ‘affordable housing’ reforms by the NSW Labor government, a spokesperson for the NSW Minister for Homelessness and the North Coast, Rose Jackson, has replied to Echo questions.
Recent reforms to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which guide affordable housing development, were roundly criticised by the peak body representing councils, Local Government NSW (LGNSW).
LGNSW president, Cr Turley, said the new SEPP removes councils from the approval process, and that it ‘further erodes councils’ involvement in town planning, giving developers increasingly free rein in both city and country’.
Yet a statement by Ms Jackson said the opposite, claiming that councils and communities had been consulted on the reforms.
The Echo asked whether Ms Jackson agreed her comments – that councils were considered in the reform – are inconsistent and inaccurate, given the views of LGNSW.
Effective law?
Additionally, The Echo asked how the NSW government ‘can be confident that their affordable housing reform will be effective, given there is no measure of effectiveness in this reform’.
‘Does Ms Jackson support a parliamentary inquiry into the SEPP to establish how affordable housing outcomes can be measured and improved?’
A spokesperson for Ms Jackson did not answer the questions, but told The Echo, ‘We remain committed to working across all levels of government to expedite the delivery of more homes’.
‘This includes continuous and ongoing conversations and consultation with Councils, local communities, and industry.
‘Availability of housing is at it’s lowest level in decades, the lack of supply directly impacts affordability.
‘Fast-tracking the delivery of more affordable homes is vital to help confront our housing crisis’.
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