Business leaders address critical issues and shortages at housing forum

BUSINESS New South Wales Northern Rivers hosted a housing on the ground forum to address critical issues around attracting workers in the region, particularly with shortages in emergency services.

The event was held at Lennox Head Cultural Centre with about 100 representatives from builders, councils, local government, housing developers and state agencies attending.

“It’s a crisis in that emergency services space,” Business NSW regional director Jane Laverty said

“I often say to people, it’s one thing not to get your barista coffee when they don’t have the staff, but it’s another thing to land in emergency without a nurse or doctor there to look after you.”

The forum was designed to move projects from ideas to action, as part of the ProspER Northern Rivers Regional Plan 2040 and the state government’s new housing reforms.

The regional plan aims to enhance sustainable growth, wellbeing and prosperity, led by business and industry in collaboration with government and community partners.

Ms Laverty said it was pleasing that several issues raised at the forum are already being addressed by the relevant groups, while others are making progress.

“Business leaders want to ensure that they’re current and future work force has somewhere to live,” she said.

“They’ve been driving this conversation so that the government understands what our needs are.

“We also heard about some of the successes and we’re seeing that with new housing developments at Tweed and Grafton, which is fantastic.”

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, who is also minister for small business and minister for recovery, spoke about the state government’s ongoing commitment to flood recovery efforts around the region.

There were speakers and experts detailing proposed planning reforms, key data and essential worker needs in accommodation.

Ms Laverty was also part of ProspER Youth Advisory Group for 14-17-year-olds which was aimed at supporting future leaders

“It’s all about listening to young people, what ideas they have and how they see the future,” she said.