Local politicians air concerns about social housing development

SOCIAL media commentary has sparked intense discussion about the suitability of a proposed social housing development in Coffs Harbour.

As previously reported in NOTA, the proposal at 211a-215 Harbour Drive comprises a four-storey building with 60 units, a communal room for residents, basement car parking and internal lifts, and landscaping and fencing across the site.

Fifteen public submissions about the proposal were received by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), which has overall responsibility for the project, including one from an independent primary school.

On 2 March, Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan stated on social media that the development was “number one on the community concern list this month”, noting its earmarked location “between three prominent Coffs Harbour primary schools”.

“I have personally received impassioned pleas from many members of the collective school community asking for the site’s location to be reconsidered,” Mr Conaghan posted.

Mr Conaghan went on to state that social and affordable housing was desperately needed in the region, however it needs to be “carefully considered, fit for purpose and safe for all involved; both the eventual residents and their neighbours”.

In response to the MP’s post, City of Coffs Harbour councillor Tony Judge called on Mr Conaghan and Mayor Nikki Williams to show support for social housing initiatives.

“The development will deliver 60 new social and affordable homes on Harbour Drive, close to shops and services.

“This is exactly the sort of well-located housing we need to be building to address homelessness and the rental crisis in Coffs Harbour.

“Social housing tenants are like any of us. They have families, they aspire to a better life and they need safe, secure accommodation.

“Social housing is not just an act of compassion; it is an investment in people and our future.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh also weighed in with a statement to NOTA, noting that questions were raised with the NSW Government over the development in last week’s Budget Estimates.

“We (the NSW Nationals) support building more social housing,” he said.

“The issue is that when you put a 60-apartment complex next to three primary schools and two preschools, you have an obligation to get the settings right.

“That means being upfront about who’s being allocated there, what safeguards are in place, and what happens when something goes wrong.”

Mr Singh said that people who contact his office with concerns aren’t NIMBYs, they are often social housing tenants themselves, telling him the current system isn’t keeping them safe.

“The community is entitled to ask what will be different this time,” he said.

“This development is a new build, and we support adding to the housing stock.”

However, Mr Singh said that the broader issue of how social housing is provided should be examined.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said feedback from nearby school communities reflected a range of perspectives about the proposal.

“There is broad recognition that social housing plays an important role in supporting vulnerable members of our community, including older residents, people facing financial hardship or disability, and those rebuilding their lives after difficult circumstances,” Mayor Williams said.

“Feedback raised by school communities includes questions around the location of the proposal, as well as suggestions about tenant mix and management arrangements.

“These are important issues that need to be worked through carefully so any project operates safely and effectively within its surrounding community.”

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said Coffs Harbour, like the rest of NSW, is “facing a housing crisis that demands action”.

“We won’t apologise for building the homes that the community desperately needs,” she said.

Ms Jackson said misconceptions exist that social housing residents are anti-social, lazy, or in some way to blame for their housing situation.

“The truth is most of the applicants on our social housing waitlist are female-led households, whether that be single mums fleeing domestic and family violence, or older women facing homelessness for the first time,” she said.

“There should be a place for diversity in all our suburbs and for public housing residents to live with dignity alongside every walk of life.”

Mission Australia Housing will be responsible for the development.
“Mission Australia Housing prioritises the safety of our tenants, staff and the wider community,” a spokesperson told NOTA.

“We take a proactive approach to tenancy and property management, supported by clear policies and experienced staff.

“We are committed to providing safe and secure homes and to creating positive, thriving communities.

“We aim to work collaboratively with tenants, community members, local services and government to respond to and manage concerns as they arise, while respecting the privacy of the people who live in our homes.”

By Andrew VIVIAN