WITH the shire's housing shortage and rental availability crisis only continuing to provide headaches, a new strategy is aiming to work out what can be done to assist.
Leeton Shire Council's draft housing strategy is currently on public display, with residents having until Friday, January 14 to give their feedback.
The strategy has been in the works for about 18 months and it proposes new directions to shape the shire's residential future over the next 20 years.
Demand for housing is rising in Leeton shire and in the broader western Riverina.
Official NSW government forecasts project that Leeton will become home to an extra 1300 people over the next 20 years.
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Council's group manager shire activation, Andrew Reilly, said it gives consideration to demographic factors, housing supply and demand and local land use opportunities and actions.
"Not only do we have a shortage now, but the projected increase in population implies a significant need for additional dwellings over time," Mr Reilly said.
Housing availability is central to Leeton's growth and expansion.
With housing an identified constraint for attracting workforce to the region, the strategy is hoping options identified within the document will assist with closing this gap and will attract government investment into enabling infrastructure.
This strategy draws together many local and regional plans for social and economic advancement, including:
- The Riverina Murray Regional Plan which includes directions to promote greater housing choice; promote the growth of regional cities and townships; deliver health-built environments and improved urban design; provide access to quality services that a relevant to community needs.
- The Western Riverina Regional Economic Development Strategy which looks to grow the region's population and labour pool to support the expansion of its "engines of growth" industries.
- The Leeton Local Strategic Planning Statement which seeks to ensure the community has access to a diverse range of housing options through building industry capacity to meet demands.
- The Leeton Community Strategic Plan which includes directions to identify land suitable for more housing and meet the housing needs for the elderly, migrants, and low-income workers in the community.
Interested community members can view council's draft housing strategy at www.leeton.nsw.gov.au or on Council's 'Have Your Say' online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au.
Hard copies are also available for viewing at council's administration office, the Leeton library, Whitton Post Office and the Yanco Shop.
All feedback submissions must be received by council by 5pm this Friday, January 14.
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