Affordable Housing Action Taskforce - 09/03/2026

Topics

• Council presses worker accommodation concerns as major projects threaten rental supply
  Taskforce members warned that major infrastructure projects could bring temporary workers into Shoalhaven and intensify rental competition.
  Local renters and vulnerable households could face added pressure if worker accommodation is not planned early.
• Affordable housing supply still lagging demand in Shoalhaven
  Council staff said affordable housing supply is limited relative to demand, and eligibility rules do not guarantee access.
  The comments underline continuing housing stress and the limits of current affordability pathways for residents.

Decisions

• Advocacy report received
  The Taskforce resolved by consent to accept the affordable housing advocacy update report for information.
  No direct policy change was made, but the report confirms Council will continue advocating on affordable housing issues that affect housing supply and rental pressure.

Discussion

• Affordable housing eligibility and limited supply
  Council staff and The Housing Trust noted that landlords retain final approval over tenants, higher-income eligible households may be selected under the guidelines, eligibility does not equal entitlement, and affordable housing supply in Shoalhaven is limited relative to demand.
  Residents seeking affordable housing should expect demand to remain high and eligibility alone will not guarantee access.
• Worker accommodation pressure from major projects
  Members raised concerns that major infrastructure projects, including the Milton–Ulladulla Bypass, could bring temporary workers into the area and compete with local rental housing. Council staff said Council continues to advocate for both short- and long-term accommodation impacts to be assessed in State project approvals.
  Large projects may increase rental competition and displacement risk for vulnerable households if worker accommodation is not planned early.
• Council advocacy and land use levers
  Council staff said Council’s main tools are planning controls, land assets and advocacy, and that delivery needs coordination between all levels of government and the private sector.
  Any future affordable housing delivery will depend on planning decisions, land availability and government advocacy, not Council action alone.
• Potential reuse of accommodation assets
  Members suggested tender and contract conditions could require worker accommodation solutions and support local employment, training and later reuse of accommodation for affordable housing. The meeting also noted examples such as leasing motels for worker housing.
  Temporary project accommodation could, if designed well, transition into longer-term housing benefits for the community.
• Public land and essential worker housing
  It was suggested that public sector agencies and unions work more closely to identify essential worker housing needs, including using underutilised or surplus government land assets.
  Residents may benefit if unused public land is brought into housing supply or worker accommodation planning.

Impacts

• Affordable housing remains in short supply compared with demand in Shoalhaven.
• Low- and moderate-income households may still face difficulty accessing affordable rentals because eligibility does not guarantee placement.
• Major infrastructure projects could place extra pressure on the private rental market.
• Council is continuing advocacy rather than announcing new housing supply or funding.
• Potential future use of public or surplus land could support more housing or worker accommodation.

Places

• Shoalhaven (local government area)
  Area where affordable housing supply and rental demand were discussed.
• Milton–Ulladulla Bypass (infrastructure project)
  Example of a major project that may increase demand for worker accommodation and rental housing.
• Nowra (town)
  Meeting location at the City Administrative Centre in Bridge Road, Nowra.
• Bridge Road (road)
  Location of the meeting venue, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra.

Next

• Provide income data to the Taskforce following the meeting
  Following the meeting
• Present the current audit of Council landholdings to the Taskforce
  June 2026 meeting
• Continue advocacy on short- and long-term accommodation impacts in State project approvals
  Ongoing
• Consider guidance and advocacy material related to council-led affordable housing and worker housing
  Ongoing

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACTION TASKFORCE Meeting Date: Monday, 9 March 2026 Location: Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 4.00pm The following members were present: Mayor Patricia White - Chairperson Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Jemma Tribe – left at 5:30pm Clr Brett Steele Clr Selena Clancy Mr Ron Silberberg Mr Peter Wells (Remotely) Mr Paul Mitchell (Remotely) Mr Craig Hadfield Mr Graham Sweet (Remotely) Ms Rachel Foster – The Housing Trust (Remotely) Mr Nathan Boulous – Urban Development Institute of Australia Ms Natalie Allan – Southern Cross Housing (Remotely) Ms Jennifer Macquarie – Property Council of Australia Mr Peter Dover – S...