Wollongong councillors have called for the NSW government to direct some of its billion-dollar housing affordability fund towards the costs of much-needed infrastructure in West Dapto.
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As part of Tuesday's budget, the government said it would inject an extra $400 million into its Housing Acceleration Fund to speed up the delivery of more housing in growth areas.
While the $566 million already spent through the fund since 2012 has been focused on housing in Sydney's west and south-west, Wollongong councillors believe at least some of the extra money should flow to West Dapto.
In recent months, Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery and council officials have repeatedly raised concerns about the cost of new roads and other infrastructure in the southern Wollongong development area, highlighting a $200 million gap between the estimated costs and the money to be raised by Section 94 developer contributions.
Speaking at Monday night's meeting, Labor councillor Ann Martin noted the housing fund had been foreshadowed in pre-budget announcements over the weekend, and urged the council to begin thinking about a submission to the government straight away.
"I think, because this is the most significant release of housing in NSW outside of Sydney, we should be putting our hand up to help us address a gap in funding through this fund," she said.
"We need to be proactive, and I would like to think that between our general manager and the lord mayor and our senior staff that we start talking to our state MPs ... saying to them in no uncertain terms, 'Thank you, if this fund goes ahead, beautiful, we'd like some if it for West Dapto'.
"It is unreasonable for the state to expect us to continue to roll out the infrastructure that will be required for the difficult development area in West Dapto without more state government assistance."
Liberal councillor Bede Crasnich joined this call, saying he would be lobbying his party colleagues in the state government.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia also chipped in, with the Illawarra chapter saying it was "vital" some of the $400 million went to the region. "It's no secret the Illawarra is in desperate need of more housing supply for its rapidly growing population," UDIA chief executive Stephen Albin said.
"The local building and construction industry is here, ready to work with the community and all levels of government to deliver the housing this region so desperately needs."
kmcilwain@fairfaxmedia.com.au
