The NSW Government will scrap proposed plans put forward by the previous government to redevelop Argyll Estate in Coffs Harbour and will instead commit to conducting extensive community consultation to create a more social and affordable housing across the wider Coffs Harbour.
The NSW Government is today announcing:
- Scrapping the previous Government’s proposed botched redevelopment of Argyll Estate, which was causing unnecessary stress for existing residents and would not deliver a substantial increase in social and affordable housing.
- A new collaborative approach to social housing in Coffs Harbour, beginning with broad community consultation with local residents, local Community Housing Providers (CHPs), the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and the Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) to develop a Local Area Plan to deliver housing for those in need.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“The previous government’s botched proposal would have only delivered an additional nine social homes which is simply not good enough for this site. We have listened to this community and have heard the concerns raised by residents and that’s why we’re making the decision to scrap this proposal.
“Today we provide relief and certainty to residents who live in the Argyll Estate and means they will not need to relocate and move.
“It is so important to me that government listens to the community. The decision not to proceed with the previous plans for Argyll Estate are an example of this new approach and we will be working hard over the coming months to explore options and next steps.
“With more than 800 people in Coffs Harbour currently in desperate need of social housing, it was clear that Argyll Estate was simply not going to make a dent in reducing the waitlist. Our commitment and priority is to deliver projects that will make a difference.
“Genuine and meaningful engagement with community is a key focus for the new Government and building a new plan for social and affordable housing in Coffs will centre around extensive community consultation and listening.
Coffs Harbour Councillor Tony Judge said:
“The housing crisis right across this state is a problem that cannot be solved overnight. It will take time to deliver more social and affordable homes that are so desperately needed in places like Coffs but we are committed to tackling this head-on. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
“As many know I have been calling on this project to be scrapped for some time, today the new NSW Government is listening to our community. I want to thank Rose Jackson for her advocacy and leadership.
“I know so many residents who will be able to sleep easy tonight knowing that their homes are safe and they are being listened to and heard.
“The conversation doesn’t stop here though, now we need to explore all options to build social, affordable and private housing in Coffs so we can properly address the housing and rental crisis.”