The fact housing costs in the Hunter have hit the roof in the past 12 months is deeply concerning for Paterson MP Meryl Swanson.

So much so, the local member met with Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Jason Clare to discuss the affordability issues in the region created by high house prices and unsustainable rentals.

According to reports, compiled by Domain, most people are paying 29% more to purchase their “dream home” in the area, while weekly payments to landlords vary between an increase of 8.5% (Kurri Kurri) and 22.4% (Swansea), with a number of other suburbs registering 18.4% (Mannering Park), 17.5% (Gwandalan), 17% (New Lambton), 16.9% (Gateshead), 15.6% (Newcastle), 12.8% (Broadmeadow), 11.4% (Nelson Bay) and 10% (East Maitland).

“We’ve just experienced this explosion,” Ms Swanson said.

“Over the past decade, it’s been crazy, but in the last two years since COVID-19, it seems everyone wants to move to the region.

“Everyone has their eyes on the Hunter and, particularly, around this part in Maitland.

“I think we’ve got between seven and nine people a day moving into this region now.

“House prices have certainly risen, by almost 30% more.

“And then, for a rental, it’s just outrageous.

“The big thing is, it’s not even whether or not you can afford it; it’s actually just getting something that’s not sold or that’s available to rent.

“I truly believe health and housing are the things that are on people’s minds really significantly at the moment.”

Ms Swanson and Mr Clare took time to speak to numerous residents, too, assessing the locals’ thoughts on the current problems.

Both were alarmed by what they heard.

“It’s good to have Jason visit the Hunter – and especially Gillieston Heights,” she said.

“We’ve witnessed this massive housing boom [here].

“But, I just want local people to be able to, one, afford rent – to secure a rental – or, two, find their own place.

“All the kids of my friends, who are just starting out their lives, I want them to afford something in our region where their parents have grown up and their grandparents before them.

“They love it; they want to stay here.

“And, that is just so important to me as a Labor member.

“We welcome people coming [to the area], however we want locals to get a fair crack at having a house.

“That’s what we all want.

“I can remember as a kid driving from Kurri Kurri to Maitland, and you’d look out to Gillieston Heights and there was one house and a farm shed. 

“Now, there are thousands of roofs.

“It is just incredible how much it has grown.

“Right across the country we have seen the regions booming, and that’s a good thing, but it’s really tough if you’ve got to try to get into that market.

“Sadly, it also ties in with homelessness, which is something that’s really difficult and rising in the Hunter.

“No one wants people sleeping in their cars.

“That’s something else an Albanese government is going to focus on.”

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.