Bega community share thoughts on $21m social housing proposal

A regional South Coast community have shared their thoughts on a proposed $21m social housing development, which aims to tackle decade long housing wait times.

An artist impression of the development.

A regional community is being asked to have their say on a multimillion-dollar plan, which aims to fix a decade-long social housing shortage on the NSW South Coast.

The $21 million Bega development – set to go to the NSW Regional Planning Panel – has been submitted to the Bega Valley Council by Southern Cross Housing.

Proposed for Rawlinson St, Bega, the development – if approved by the NSW Regional Planning Panel and council – would see 60 homes, consisting of one, two and three bedroom studios and duplexes.

The massive development has now entered public exhibition on the Bega Valley Council website, with the community being asked to have their say.

“I think this is a great thing for the town,” resident Michael Flenning submitted.

“We have a big need for affordable and social housing in Bega and this will help solve this.”

It’s a sentiment agreed upon by Bega Valley Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick, who said the proposal was “needed”.

The proposal includes 60 social housing dwellings.

He also urged the state government to give the project the tick as quickly as possible.

“A quick approval would be great,” he said.

Southern Cross Housing deputy chief executive officer Eric Coulter said the social housing proposal came at a time when wait times for social housing in the region were as long as 10 years.

The Southern Cross Housing website reveals wait times are between five and 10 years for studio apartments to a two-bedroom home.

Mr Coulter said the long wait times meant the proposal had been welcomed by the community.

Southern Cross Housing deputy chief executive officer, Eric Coulter.

“We held a public meeting which was well-attended and will continue to consult, especially with our neighbours when the DA goes through council,” he said.

“There is an invisible group of people being affected by skyrocketing rents.

“Thankfully things are slowing down and will stabilise but rents are not expected to go down.”

Others in the community have also already submitted their opinions on the proposal, such as Keiran Hill, who welcomed the idea.

“More social housing is a great thing, especially with such a need in Bega,” he said.

Douglas Birch also agreed, noting it was “about time”.

“Wait times are too long,” he said.

“Like most in the community I suspect, I fully support this development.”

The $21m, 60 home development will remain on community exhibition until February 26.