More Social Housing Needed in Port Macquarie Electorate

More Social Housing Needed in Port Macquarie Electorate

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer is calling on the New South Wales Government to significantly increase the supply of social and affordable housing in the upcoming State Budget, as housing stress and homelessness continue to rise across the region.

Speaking in Parliament last night, Mr Dwyer said the Port Macquarie-Hastings community is facing a serious and growing shortage of housing that is affordable for people on low and very low incomes.

“Too many people in our community are struggling to find a safe and stable place to live,” Mr Dwyer said.

“We are hearing more and more stories of people sleeping in their cars, staying temporarily with friends or family, or living in parks and public spaces because they have nowhere else to go.

“This is not just a housing issue, it is a social issue, a health issue and a community issue.”

Mr Dwyer said one of the most concerning aspects of the crisis is the lengthy wait times for social housing in the region, with some residents waiting more than ten years for a suitable property.

“For someone already doing it tough, a decade is simply too long to wait for secure housing,” he said.

He also highlighted the increasing pressure in the private rental market, where rising costs are pushing low-income households out of reach.

“This includes people on the Age Pension, disability support and other income supports, as well as essential workers like nurses, aged care staff and hospitality workers,” Mr Dwyer said.

“These are the people our community depends on, yet many are being priced out of the very communities they serve.”

Mr Dwyer acknowledged recent investment by Homes NSW, including the upcoming development at the corner of Gordon and Grant Streets in Port Macquarie, which will deliver 94 new homes, including 28 social and 66 affordable housing units.

“This is a welcome project and will make a real difference for those who secure a home there,” he said.

“However, it will only meet a small fraction of the demand we are seeing across our region.”

Mr Dwyer said the June State Budget presents a critical opportunity for the Government to take meaningful action.

“We need to see significant and sustained investment in social and affordable housing across regional New South Wales, including in the Port Macquarie electorate,” he said.

“Increasing supply will not only help reduce homelessness, but also provide stability for vulnerable individuals and families, and ensure essential workers can continue to live in our community.

“Safe, secure and affordable housing should not be a privilege, it should be accessible to everyone,” Mr Dwyer said.