Blaxland is facing significant housing affordability challenges, with key statistics highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue:
These figures clearly indicate that Blaxland faces housing affordability challenges that are more pronounced than the broader NSW context. With a higher percentage of renters and many households paying an unsustainable portion of their income on housing, immediate action is needed.
In response to these challenges, I propose a comprehensive approach to improving housing affordability in Blaxland. My plan will focus on increasing the supply of affordable housing, supporting renters, enhancing homeownership opportunities, and addressing overcrowding.
• Leverage the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund to secure funding for social and affordable housing developments in Blaxland. This will allow us to directly tackle the shortfall in affordable housing stock.
• Encourage mixed-use developments that combine affordable housing with commercial spaces, fostering a vibrant, integrated community.
• Advocate for rent control measures to protect the 43% of Blaxland renters who are experiencing housing stress, ensuring that rental prices are more stable and affordable.
• Strengthen Commonwealth Rent Assistance to better meet the needs of renters in Blaxland, helping them manage rental costs in an increasingly unaffordable market.
Promote access to various financial assistance programs to support Blaxland residents aspiring to buy a home:
Ensure residents are informed and supported in accessing these programs to help reduce financial barriers to homeownership.
• Establish a Blaxland Housing Taskforce, comprising local residents, housing advocates, and experts, to develop tailored solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.
• Investigate community land trusts as a model for affordable housing, allowing residents to invest in their community and ensure long-term housing affordability.
• Offer financial education programs to help residents navigate housing options and improve financial literacy, ensuring they are better equipped to make informed decisions about housing.
• Focus on supporting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, those on low incomes, and people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to safe, affordable housing.
Promote the development of larger units or family-sized homes that can accommodate the average household size of 3.2 people in Blaxland. This will help alleviate overcrowding and ensure that families have appropriate living spaces.
Housing is a fundamental right, and every Blaxland resident deserves access to safe and affordable housing. Together, we can advocate for solutions that make a real difference in our community.
I invite you to join me in pushing for these policies, to build a Blaxland where families can thrive without the constant strain of housing affordability. Your voice matters—let’s work together to create a brighter future for our community.
