The Country Women’s Association of NSW’s policy is to advocate to governments to prioritise the construction of social and affordable housing, specifically targeting the needs of women, who are the fastest-growing demographic for housing vulnerability.
The Bangalow CWA is one of the many community volunteer organisations and clubs in the Northern Rivers providing much-needed support to those experiencing housing vulnerability through donations and in-kind support. However, the funding these groups provide generally offers band-aid solutions to a deeply entrenched, structural problem – the lack of social and affordable housing.
It is heartening to see that the Ballina electorate will receive from the NSW government $10.6M from the NSW government for social housing projects and $1.5M for upgrading the current stock (Echo, June 26). Eligibility for social housing is based on strict criteria including a very low income, which the NSW Department of Communities and Justice website defines as earning 60 per cent or less of the NSW median income (eg aged or disability pensioners or those on other government benefits, those earning the minimum or a very low wage).
What seems to be missing is a tranche of funding for the construction of affordable housing for low to moderate-income earners such as childcare and hospitality workers, nurses, teachers and police; the key and essential services workers priced out of some local rental markets or experiencing financial stress because of high rents. It’s a fine line between demand for affordable and social housing. Illness, disability, divorce, job loss, and unexpected carer responsibilities can all impact the ability to pay even affordable rent – a slippery slope to housing vulnerability. Solutions in the housing ecosystem must be addressed holistically and across all levels of government.
Local government has a role to play in supporting the development of affordable housing. An analysis of both Byron and Ballina shires’ espoused commitments to affordable housing indicates a patchy record. Commitments are one thing – but what real change has happened? With Council elections a few months away, it would be helpful to know not only where candidates stand on the development of affordable housing but how they plan to accelerate the process and deliver.
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. 
