Innovative housing solutions the focus of Business NSW forum

THE Coffs Harbour region is expected to welcome 540-plus new residents each year to 2041, according to data presented at a Business NSW Housing Forum held at Pacific Bay Resort this week.

Keynote speaker Peter Bell, director of property and business advisory Par8o, highlighted that the Coffs Coast is projected to retain 20.7 percent of Northern NSW’s population over the next two decades, with rapid growth placing increasing pressure on housing supply, affordability, infrastructure, and schools.

“The biggest point from our report is that we need more housing supply,” said Mr Bell.

“It’s a national issue and we need to start taking action to remove barriers and get housing on the ground.

“To achieve this, we need to revisit planning and land zoning, especially in industrial areas, and allow flexibility to be able to unlock housing and then create job opportunities.”

The Housing Forum examined how housing supply, affordability and planning are shaping the Mid North Coast’s future growth and liveability, with solutions explored including:

– Streamlined planning approvals to accelerate development

– Flexible land zoning to unlock new housing opportunities

– Balancing tourism accommodation with long-term rental supply

– Incentives and practical delivery programs to house essential workers

– Innovative housing models, including infill and smaller, affordable homes.

The forum panel featured Mr Bell, host Rod Barnaby of Business NSW, Damian Chapelle of Newton Denny Chapelle, Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast Director Madeleine Lawler, City of Coffs Harbour’s Ian Fitzgibbon and Penny Jones from the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD).

In attendance was Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, who stressed the importance of the forum in helping to deliver more housing options to cater for the growing population on the Coffs Coast.

“Everyone benefits from today’s event,” said Mayor Williams.

“We’re not just talking about delivering housing, it’s about what type of housing we need, what our biggest pain points are, and what we can do together and individually to move housing delivery along.”

The panel discussed housing supply challenges, noting that rising demand for townhouses and small apartments is hindered by high costs and complex planning rules.

They agreed that more flexible planning and government-funded infrastructure are needed to boost affordability and free up rental stock.

Ian Fitzgibbon, Director of City Planning and Communities at City of Coffs Harbour, highlighted that collaboration between council, developers, and government is essential to achieving more affordable housing options.

“We’re in a housing crisis on the North Coast of New South Wales, and we want to work with government, industry, and the community to bring forward solutions and supply the community with housing diversity.”

Panellist Penny Jones of MNCLHD further highlighted the need for better infrastructure and community amenities, stressing the need for additional childcare facilities to unlock workforce participation.

Notably, the forum showcased solutions under the Minns Government’s proposed planning reforms, with Leah Tucker, Senior Policy Manager at Business NSW, explaining that streamlined approvals and reduced red tape will accelerate development and help bring homes to market faster.

“These reforms are designed to speed up the planning process to deliver the housing targets that have been promised around the state.

“The reforms include streamlining approval processes to speed up the development application process, cutting costs to deliver houses faster to people who need them most,” Ms Tucker said.

The event was supported by the City of Coffs Harbour, Clarence Property, Regional Development Australia, Par8o, Newton Denny Chapelle, and Mid North Coast Local Health District, with over 80 people in attendance.