The current housing shortage is one of the biggest concerns throughout the nation… and it’s no different in the Hunter.
It is also why Maitland City deputy mayor Mitchell Griffin would like to see Paterson MP Meryl Swanson “do more” to address the crisis in his LGA.
With affordability being a major issue for families across the region, he’s concerned the local federal member and the Albanese government are not doing enough to provide council with the support needed to meet the demand.
Maitland boasts adequate greenfield land release opportunities with 20,000 more residents expected to call the city home by 2040.
However, the biggest barrier to that is the lack of infrastructure.
“In Thornton, Regional NSW’s fastest growing area, there is a shortfall of about $80 million for road and transport structures,” the Maitland Liberal councillor said.
“Without this infrastructure in place, it makes it very difficult for council to continue to approve new large-scale developments.
“During the 2022 Federal Election campaign, Ms Swanson promised she would update roads in Thornton.
“This would have assisted in the delivery of affordable housing.
“Sadly, since then, she’s stated this infrastructure would not be delivered and that her promise was not a commitment.”
Now, Cr Griffin intends to raise the matter further when he attends the Local Government NSW Annual Conference in Parramatta next week.
“If the Australian Government wants regional cities like Maitland to come on board and deliver affordable housing, then it needs to support councils through infrastructure and funding,” he said.
“To date, we have seen no assistance from Ms Swanson or the federal government.
“This is despite voters going to the polls in 2022 under the impression they would be providing $50 million worth of road infrastructure.
“Local government is keen to play its part by delivering affordable housing.
“But, without either state or federal support to supply roads, we are fighting with one hand behind our backs, with the residents losing out.
“All I’m asking for is for Ms Swanson and the Albanese government to follow through with updating our roads in Thornton to allow sensible growth to take place.
“They said they would do it in 2022… and now they don’t want to know about us.
“Thornton has quickly become the forgotten suburb in the eyes of the federal member.”
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