Australasian Housing Institute

Following the significant insights gained from the 2022 ‘State of Affordable Housing on the Central Coast’ report, Pacific Link Housing has released an updated statement emphasising the continued and urgent need for accelerated efforts in the provision of affordable and key-worker housing. Wal Edgell, Chairman of Pacific Link Housing, stressed the necessity for rapid intervention. “The deepening housing crisis on the Central Coast demands immediate action. Governments at all levels must improve their efforts significantly to meet the immediate demands and to establish long-term, sustainable housing solutions for our community.” The 2024 statement details a significant mismatch between the demand for affordable housing and the existing supply available for residents across the Coast falling into the affordable and key-worker income categories. This shortage, along with a long-standing undersupply of social housing in the area, has contributed to a 60% rise in homelessness over the past year based on the NSW Government’s Statewide Street Count, providing further evidence of a housing market in crisis. Ian Lynch, Group CEO of Pacific Link Housing, shared insights on the challenges experienced. “As the Central Coast’s only locally based Tier 1 Community Housing Provider, Pacific Link Housing is acutely aware of the increasing hardships faced by individuals and families. Our updated report not only reflects on the progress made but also reiterates our call to action for increased funding and streamlined approval processes for social and affordable housing projects specifically.” The statement proposes six strategic actions targeted at national, state and local levels to mitigate the housing crisis effectively. It calls for increased collaboration and expedited measures to ensure that more affordable housing can be delivered swiftly and efficiently. Local leaders and stakeholders including Regional Development Australia Central Coast, Business NSW Central Coast, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, the University of Newcastle, UDIA Central Coast, Central Coast Council and the Central Coast Local Health District have again supported this paper, and are united with Pacific Link Housing’s commitment to resolving this critical issue and calls for action, that will benefit the whole community.  While some limited progress has been made since 2022, with funding beginning to flow and policy reform happening at all levels of government, greater urgency and efficiency, along with reduced red tape in the delivery of affordable housing is required.