If Australia is to achieve its national housing targets, Local government must be invited to the table with federal and state government partners when decisions are being made. Councils bring local knowledge, practical expertise and a clear understanding of what is required to unlock housing supply in our communities.

As the third tier of government, councils are responsible for planning, infrastructure delivery, community engagement and more – not simply stakeholders in the housing conversation.

Success depends on genuine collaboration across all three levels of government, with local government recognised as an equal partner in developing the solutions and delivering the outcomes.

Housing is one of our highest advocacy priorities, reflecting the key shared challenges and opportunities facing our Member Councils and their communities right across the Hunter. A coordinated approach across all levels of government is needed to support the Hunter’s housing needs. We’re advocating for direct funding for local governments to fund the enabling infrastructure required to unlock housing.

Visit our website for several case studies of how we can unlock housing lots across the region with funding support for critical enabling infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water/sewer infrastructure

We support Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) call for local government to be recognised as a genuine partner in national housing reform discussions.

To view the full media release, visit ALGA’s website