Program to boost affordable housing

PROJECTS that expand affordable housing across the Northern Rivers can now apply for a share of $3 million in NSW Government funding.

The Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund offers between $20,000 and $250,000 to councils for projects that support housing supply, affordability, and diversity in regional NSW.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said it was good to see the NSW Government and local councils working together to create a pipeline for new homes.

“Councils can use the funds to speed up new housing strategies, prepare infrastructure and servicing plans and make local planning amendments for the delivery of more diverse and affordable housing supply,” Ms Saffin said.

“These projects will support regional NSW towards its housing target of 55,000 homes during the National Housing Accord.”

Past recipients include Lismore, Tweed and Byron Shire councils.

In 2022, Lismore’s Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme received $74,810 to support affordable rental housing.

Tweed Shire Council received $249,059 for a strategy aimed at increasing housing supply, and Byron Shire Council received $239,239 for a study on housing density in Byron’s town centre.

Round three funding applications close at noon on Friday, November 22.