More Social Housing Needed in Port Macquarie Electorate

Robert Dwyer • 25 March 2026

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.

Robert's Media Releases

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Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has announced that women and children escaping domestic and family violence across the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven region will benefit from a $5 million investment through the NSW Government's Homelessness Innovation Fund, delivering new transitional housing and integrated recovery support. The project, led by Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services in partnership with Community Housing Limited (CHL), will deliver approximately five to eight transitional housing properties while transforming the way recovery and healing services are provided to women and children rebuilding their lives after violence. Mr Dwyer said the Homelessness Innovation Fund is supporting practical, community-led solutions to address homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable people. "Safe housing is fundamental to helping women and children escape violence and rebuild their lives. This investment will deliver more housing while strengthening the support services that help victim-survivors achieve long-term safety and independence," Mr Dwyer said. “This project will make a meaningful difference for families across the region. Every woman and child deserves to live free from violence and have access to safe, secure housing when they need it most." "I'm proud to support this investment, which will strengthen our local response to domestic and family violence and deliver lasting benefits for our community." "This project is about more than providing accommodation. It creates an opportunity for women and children to recover from trauma, remain connected to their community and build a future free from violence," Mr Dwyer said. Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Lamb said the project represents an important evolution in the delivery of specialist domestic and family violence services. "Housing is one of the biggest barriers facing women and children escaping violence, but recovery requires more than a safe place to live. Whilst we do have some existing accommodation in place, it is always oversubscribed with an extensive waiting list." "This project enables us to embed recovery and healing alongside specialist domestic and family violence support, ensuring women and children have the opportunity to heal from trauma, rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships and regain independence." "Recovery and healing are essential parts of ending the cycle of violence. By investing in recovery, we reduce the risk of ongoing harm, homelessness and intergenerational trauma while creating stronger families and safer communities," Ms Lamb said. Community Housing Limited Chief Executive Officer….. said the partnership demonstrates the value of bringing together housing and specialist services. "Community Housing Limited is proud to partner with Liberty to deliver safe, quality transitional housing that provides women and children with stability at one of the most challenging times in their lives." "Working alongside Liberty's specialist expertise will ensure residents receive not only a home, but the support they need to move towards long-term housing and independence." The project forms part of the NSW Government's Homelessness Innovation Fund, which supports innovative approaches to reducing homelessness and improving housing outcomes for vulnerable people across the state. Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977
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