With 17 new ‘social housing’ dwellings being announced for Casino, what other similar projects are underway in the Northern Rivers?
Homes NSW announced on 5 June the Casino homes ‘are now welcoming up to 41 residents in a modern two-storey development featuring open-plan living, natural tones, and a shared courtyard designed to bring people together’.
‘Delivered as part of the $150 million Northern Rivers Flood Recovery program, this project is helping rebuild stronger communities for the long term. Learn more: dcjnsw.info/HomesNSW‘
Social versus affordable housing
Social Housing is distinct from ‘affordable housing’. Affordable housing in NSW does not provide the long‑term security that social housing does. Under NSW planning incentives (The Housing SEPP), developers are only required to keep dwellings as affordable for a minimum period (typically 10 years), after which they can revert to market rent. Affordable housing projects also commonly include a mix of affordable and market‑rate dwellings, meaning only part of the development remains discounted.
Social housing is managed by Homes NSW, which is part of NSW Department of Communities and Justice, and is not subjected (as much) to the pressures of developers.
So what social housing projects are pegged for the Northern Rivers?
According to https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/homes-nsw, there are two: Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour. Both of which are ‘in progress’.
The Tweed Heads social housing project is located at 25-27 Boyd St, Tweed Heads.
The government say, ‘As part of the Northern Rivers Flood Recovery Program, Homes NSW is proposing to build new social housing in Tweed Heads’.
‘The proposed multi-storey development aims to deliver:
- 46 one-bedroom units
- 34 two-bedroom units
- a community room
- basement car parking
- accessibility features to accommodate senior residents with various levels of mobility.
Planning process and timeline
‘The proposed development is currently being assessed under a formal planning approval process.
‘If approved, construction is expected to start early 2026 and be completed by December 2027.
‘Homes NSW is committed to providing the community with regular updates as details of the development proposal become available’.
Coffs Harbour
In Coffs Harbour, “60 new high-quality social homes” is slated for Harbour Drive, “providing well-designed housing close to transport and services”.
“The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) was lodged with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in October 2025 and was on public exhibition from 2 October to 15 October 2025.
Construction is due to be completed in 2028.
‘Community Housing Provider (CHP) Mission Australia Housing has been appointed as the delivery partner and property manager for this development’, says the government.
Former Mullumbimby Hospital site
‘While there has been much community interest in the former Mullumbimby Hospital site for social housing, Byron Shire Council are yet to announce any progress with that; however, feedback on the development control plan, or DCP, for the site closed recently.
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