Statewide report identifies Shoalhaven is in housing crisis
Published on 16 March 2023
A report into the cost and availability of housing across NSW regions has identified the number of people experiencing rental stress in the Shoalhaven continues to increase.
NSW Regional Housing Needs Report 2023 released by Shelter NSW outlines that the increase in rental pressure is primarily affecting low-income households, leaving a large portion of the population vulnerable to changes in interest rates, incomes and rental prices.
The report applies indicators based on the proportion of housing and social housing stock and waiting lists, financial impacts of mortgage and rental information gathered from sources such as ABS Census 2021, NSW Department of Communities and Justice Social Housing and Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Housing Assistance in Australia 2022.
As a result, the Shelter NSW Report scorecard shows the Shoalhaven as scoring 9/10 for people experiencing financial stress associated with housing - with many paying more than 30% of their income to cover their mortgage or rent - and 10/10 for the number of people on the social housing waitlist.
“These figures continue to illustrate the hardship so many people in our city are experiencing and the reason why some are forced to leave their homes and live rough,” said Mayor Amanda Findley.
“Right now, people of all ages are continuing to do it incredibly tough and as a community, we need to come together and help out people in what is likely to be their darkest hour,” Cr Findley said.
As the impact of housing shortages and increasing costs continue to compound in the Shoalhaven, Council has launched a year-long campaign called the ‘Year to Thrive Together’ to support community services help those in need.
The campaign includes the Mayor’s Relief Fund, donations drive for care packs, the annual Thrive Together Fair, service and business support, as well as other opportunities to support.
Collectively the funds raised from the Mayor’s Relief Fund will go directly to our established local service providers who support those at crisis point with emergency financial relief to buy food, utilities, vehicle expenses and assist with accommodation costs as an immediate form of assistance.
Donations for the Mayor’s Relief Fund can be made online through the Give Now platform.