News that Wollongong has hit the magic $1m median dwelling mark has its pros and cons.
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If you've been on the property ladder for the last 10 years, you are likely rubbing your hands and dreaming of the wonderful retirement you can enjoy. You might be lining up your next investment property or thinking about selling up to downsize. It's a fine position to be in.
For many in the Illawarra, while the news is exciting, it comes with a feeling of helplessness. We're not all fortunate to have sold a multi-million dollar home in Sydney with pockets deep enough to pluck up the few remaining beach-side shacks. Not everyone has been on the ladder long enough to enjoy the fruits of a booming market.
Others cannot dream of being paid enough to pay exorbitant rent and save for an unreachable deposit.
As Wollongong grows and continues to become an anchor city for surrounding (and growing) suburbs, we will need people to work in the city centre, often in low paid jobs. We can't expect them all to live in granny flats provided by mum and dad, and really, who wants to commute from Wilton to a barista job in the CBD?
The Illawarra needs more affordable housing. We need it for those who are vulnerable but want independence. We need it for our shop workers, nurses, childcare professionals and, well, anyone who earns under $150,000 a year (maybe all of us?).
This week Cr Mirtha Cox tabled a motion calling on the council to set an affordable housing target of 30 per cent for all new multi-unit developments and residential rezonings. An amended motion was disappointingly passed without a hard figure attached.
How can Wollongong expect to retain the talent that comes through our schools and universities if they cannot afford to live here? What does that mean for our future economy?
Wollongong is a city rich in culture and diversity. It's a friendly place where people are grafters during the day and play hard at the weekends. Let's find a way to keep it that way.
- Gayle Tomlinson
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