Most Aussies dream of a house on a quarter acre block but the reality is vastly different.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Peak body for the region’s community services, Illawarra Forum, is working with different sectors of the property industry to address housing affordability which is at “absolute crisis point”.
Real [community] diversity comes with a mixture of ages, cultures and prosperity.
- Nicky Sloan
They’re also pushing to change perceptions on housing density.
CEO Nicky Sloan said the lack of affordable homes to rent or buy not only affected people on welfare, but thousands of other low-income earners often due to circumstance.
She said no-one dreams of losing their job, of becoming a victim of domestic violence, suffering mental health issues or becoming insecure and vulnerable.
She said these people, and others like pensioners, are being pushed to the outskirts of the region where there is little to no services or public transport.
“If we keep parking people off who are all struggling together, then we’re not getting community diversity,” she said.
Ms Sloan said homeowners should think twice before being opposed to high density building developments as not everyone can afford a big house with white picket fence.
“Real diversity comes with a mixture of ages, cultures and prosperity,” she said. “Most people are great but they don’t see what it’s like or don’t know what to do about it.”
She believes changing the stigma surrounding high density living will not only to help enrich the community but also help change policy, allowing more developments to go ahead.
It comes after the forum joined with the Property Council in May for a discussion with decision makers from various sectors of the property industry.
Ms Sloan said she was happy to see so many council representatives from across the Illawarra given the uncertain times of local government.
The forum will now focus on working closely with different sectors to create concrete recommendations for change. It’s hoped they’ll be ready for support once the futures of Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils are determined.
“Cities only operate because there’s people on low incomes working every day like cleaners, people in shops and hospitality,” Ms Sloan said.
“These are all really important jobs in the viability of a city and what keeps it vital.”