How housing is provided, both now and into the future, continues to be a question of interest for local governments around the country. Last month Lake Macquarie City Council exhibited its draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) in response to the Council’s Lake Macquarie Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035.  

With five local train stations designated Transport Oriented Development (TOD) areas, the Lake Macquarie LGA is beginning to adapt and change to a growing population and this LSPS reflects that. At the core of this document the question being asked is ‘how can the LGA grow to accommodate the changing needs of its residents while minimising adverse local and environmental impacts?’ Council’s planning priority that ‘people have housing that suits their needs’ is a promising first step. 

However, while considerations around housing accessibility and diversity were stated throughout, affordability measures were largely overlooked. In 2023, Shelter NSW identified Lake Macquarie as regional LGA with significant housing need and Council’s figures noted that over 40% of rental households were experiencing rental stress.  

Local need for affordable housing, combined with inclusionary zoning via the TOD reforms, highlights the need for explicit affordability considerations in strategic planning for the Lake Macquarie LGA. To ensure Lake Macquarie provides housing to suit all needs and income levels, we recommend that council include an affordability measure of success in its LSPS, develop an affordable housing policy, and provide an update on the objectives and actions listed in the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy.