It’s a bold claim but Port Stephens boasts the fastest council in the Hunter for approving housing development applications (DAs).
In the past 12 months, the local government organisation has “green-lit” more than 660 DAs, well above the 550-house target.
And, each submission took an average of 49 days to process.
It follows the release of the Port Stephens Local Housing Strategy Annual Report 2024/25, which highlighted council’s progress in delivering diverse, affordable accommodation.
Since its adoption in June 2024, 50% of the listed actions have been completed or started.
“We remain committed to easing the housing challenges our community is facing and providing options to meet its future needs,” Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson said.
“Our first Local Housing Strategy Annual Report is a great way to show everyone insights on where council is at in meeting our targets.
“Approvals in the past year for higher-density housing, such as dual-occupancy homes on one lot, have doubled.
“This shows the vision of our strategy becoming a reality.”
While exceeding the DA approval mark, the number of completed dwellings, recorded through Occupation Certificates, was below par.
“The report has also highlighted areas we need to keep working on,” Cr Anderson admitted.
“It demonstrates a big variance between DA approvals and completed builds.
“However, we know this trend is occurring nationally, impacted by factors out of council’s control, such as tighter lending conditions, high interest rates, rising construction materials and labour costs, and industry shortages.
“We’re proactively responding to challenges as they arise.
“That includes the potential risk of a future shortfall in housing completions and other issues impacting future targets.”
Port Stephens has advocated to the NSW Government for changes to planning legislation that will make it simpler to develop more affordable homes in areas like Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace.
“We’re getting ahead now for what could impact our long-term targets for housing,” Cr Anderson added.
“We are undertaking investigations and the rezoning of additional residential land and taking further actions to facilitate infill housing in existing centres.”
Read more about the Port Stephens Local Housing Strategy by visiting visit pscouncil.info/housing-strategy
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