“The housing crisis is becoming a workforce crisis.”
That’s the sentiment of Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) Newcastle and Northern Branch secretary David Bliss.
He believes new major housing developments planned for Newcastle must include significantly more social and affordable accommodation to ensure low-paid workers are “not locked out of the city they help keep running”.
The call comes after three key Newcastle West projects, which could deliver about 1,000 additional homes, were granted State Significant Development (SSD) status.
“Increasing housing supply is important,” Mr Bliss said.
“However, simply building extra apartments will not solve the affordability crisis facing essential workers in the region like those working in retail and fast-food.
“More homes are welcome but, if they’re out of reach for ordinary people, they won’t solve Newcastle’s housing woes.
“Retail, fast-food and warehouse workers keep the city running.
“But, sadly, too many can no longer afford to live in the communities they serve.
“We’re seeing workers pushed further and further from their roles because rents have become unaffordable close to where they work.
“No-one should have to spend hours commuting, sleep on a friend’s couch or live in overcrowded housing just to keep their job.”
Mr Bliss acknowledged the 2026-27 NSW State Budget had included welcome investment in housing.
However, the scale of the crisis required stronger action to ensure new developments delivered homes that low-paid workers could truly afford.
“As Newcastle grows, we need to make sure the people who serve customers, stack shelves, prepare meals and keep businesses operating every day aren’t priced out of the city,” he said.
“The NSW Government should require major developments, particularly those benefiting from planning incentives or built on government-owned land, to include a minimum of 30% social and affordable housing.
“We’ve got a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Newcastle’s future.
“We can’t afford to create communities that only higher income earners can afford to live in.
“Affordable housing isn’t just good social policy – it’s essential economic infrastructure.
“Businesses need workers… and workers need somewhere affordable to live.”
Mr Bliss said ensuring new developments included genuinely affordable housing would help keep essential workers close to their jobs, reduce commuting times and strengthen local communities.
“Newcastle’s growth should benefit everyone, including those who keep our shops, supermarkets, fast-food restaurants and warehouses operating every day,” he stated.
View the SDA’s A Fair Go Starts with a Home campaign at www.sda.au/newcastle/campaigns/a-fair-go-starts-with-a-home/
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