Affordable Housing Action Taskforce - 07/09/2026

Topics

• Taskforce backs earlier regional affordable-housing levy work
  Shoalhaven’s affordable-housing contribution work could be brought forward, with the Taskforce supporting a regional scheme targeted for 2026–2028 instead of 2028–2030.
  The scheme could establish a future funding stream for affordable housing, while delay could postpone delivery.
• Shoalhaven to investigate tiny and mobile homes after Shellharbour pilot
  A report will examine whether compliant tiny, mobile and other small-footprint homes could have a greater role in Shoalhaven, using Shellharbour’s pilot as a reference.
  The review could affect residents seeking lower-cost or interim housing, but bushfire, environmental and planning controls remain significant constraints.
• Flood studies to be tested against Shoalhaven affordable-housing plans
  Taskforce members will review adopted Lower Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin flood studies for possible effects on affordable-housing delivery.
  Flood-risk constraints may influence where future affordable housing can be built and how planning decisions protect residents from repeat exposure.

Decisions

• Flood-risk reports to be reviewed for affordable-housing impacts
  Governance will circulate links to the adopted Lower Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin flood studies, plans and mapping. Members will provide feedback on potential impacts on affordable-housing delivery and the Affordable Housing Supply Strategy.
  Future affordable-housing planning will be informed by flood-risk data, with the aim of avoiding development in areas exposed to unacceptable flood risk.
• Regional approach to affordable-housing contributions supported
  The Taskforce endorsed deferring a Shoalhaven-specific affordable-housing development contributions scheme while Council works with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and Illawarra-Shoalhaven councils, including Wingecarribee, on a regional scheme. It also supported advocating for implementation to be accelerated to 2026–2028 rather than 2028–2030.
  The timing and design of future developer contributions could affect the funding available for affordable housing and the pace of new housing delivery.
• Housing-sector collaboration agreements to be prepared
  The Taskforce recommended accepting the collaboration report and preparing agreements with Southern Cross Housing, The Housing Trust and Landcom, as well as an updated agreement with Homes NSW. Members may identify other organisations and possible collaboration activities.
  Formal partnerships may improve Council’s ability to deliver or retain affordable housing.
• Report requested on tiny and small-footprint housing
  The Taskforce requested a report examining opportunities to facilitate compliant tiny, mobile and other small-footprint housing in Shoalhaven, with reference to Shellharbour City Council’s Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot. The review is intended as a fact-finding exercise and must consider planning, environmental and bushfire constraints.
  The report may clarify whether additional housing options could assist residents seeking lower-cost or interim accommodation, including on land they already own.

Discussion

• Regional affordable-housing contribution scheme
  Members questioned whether preparation of a regional scheme could begin before the timeframe proposed in the draft Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan. Council staff identified possible delays if implementation waits until 2028–2030.
  A regional contribution scheme could create a funding source for affordable housing, but delays may postpone new supply.
• Warruya affordable-housing project
  The Taskforce received information about The Housing Trust’s Warruya project in Wollongong, including durable construction, funding-based tenant allocations and households including key workers and women-led households.
  The project provides an example of affordable housing delivery and tenant allocation near a major hospital.
• Tiny and small-footprint housing
  Members discussed existing pathways for secondary dwellings, manufactured homes and relocatable homes, and the need to assess Shellharbour’s pilot for affordability, supply, compliance and local environmental constraints.
  Residents may receive clearer information about which small-footprint housing forms are currently possible and what additional options could be considered.

Impacts

• Affordable-housing contributions may be pursued regionally rather than through a Shoalhaven-only scheme.
• The Taskforce is seeking earlier regional work and implementation between 2026 and 2028.
• Housing organisations and government agencies may work more formally with Council on affordable-housing delivery.
• Flood studies will be reviewed for their effects on future affordable-housing locations and supply.
• A future report may identify planning options for compliant tiny, mobile and small-footprint homes.

Places

• Shoalhaven (local government area)
  Area affected by the proposed affordable-housing contribution approach and small-footprint housing review.
• Illawarra-Shoalhaven Region (region)
  Proposed area for a regional affordable-housing development contributions scheme.
• Wingecarribee (local government area)
  Named as a potential collaborating council in the regional scheme work.
• Wollongong (city)
  Location of The Housing Trust’s Warruya affordable-housing project.
• Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra (civic facility)
  Meeting location.
• Lower Shoalhaven River (floodplain area)
  Covered by flood-risk studies and plans to be reviewed for affordable-housing impacts.
• St Georges Basin (locality and floodplain area)
  Covered by flood-risk studies and plans to be reviewed.
• Shellharbour (local government area)
  Location of the Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot considered as a reference for Shoalhaven.

Next

• Prepare or progress regional discussions with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and Illawarra-Shoalhaven councils on affordable-housing contributions.
  Ahead of the proposed 2028–2030 regional timeframe; the Taskforce supported advocacy for 2026–2028 implementation.
• Prepare collaboration agreements with Southern Cross Housing, The Housing Trust and Landcom, and update the agreement with Homes NSW.
  Future Council and Taskforce work; no specific date stated.
• Prepare a report on opportunities to facilitate compliant tiny, mobile and small-footprint housing in Shoalhaven.
  Future report; no specific date stated.
• Circulate the adopted flood studies, plans and mapping to Taskforce members and collect feedback for referral to Council officers.
  After the meeting; no specific deadline stated.

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACTION TASKFORCE Meeting Date: Monday, 7 September 2026 Location: Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 4.01pm The following members were present: Clr Jemma Tribe – Acting Chairperson Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Karlee Dunn (Remotely) Clr Debbie Killian (Remotely) Clr Denise Kemp (Remotely) – left at 4:57pm Clr Brett Steele (Remotely) – joined at 4:06pm Clr Selena Clancy (Remotely Mr Ron Silberberg Mr Peter Wells (Remotely) Ms Rachel Foster – The Housing Trust Ms Sue Brown – Homes NSW (Remotely) Ms Ninavah Shlaimon – Homes NSW (Remotely) Ms Natalie Allan – Southern Cross Housing Ms Tanya Prisk –...