Two tiny homes at Belmont North are providing a new source of affordable accommodation for families as Lake Macquarie explores alternative ways to address housing pressures.
The homes have been established on Council-owned land through a pilot partnership between Lake Macquarie City Council and Hunter-based not-for-profit Allambi Care.
One home is already occupied, while another family is preparing to move into the second.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the self-contained, transportable homes provided immediate accommodation alongside Allambi Care’s tenancy management and support services.
“There is no single answer to the housing crisis, but projects like this can make a real difference for people who need safe and secure accommodation,” he said.
“This pilot is also helping us explore how under-utilised land can be used to deliver community benefits and provide more housing options across Lake Macquarie.”
The project follows Council’s Housing Forum in April 2025, which brought together more than 80 representatives from government, housing and community organisations to discuss ways to improve housing outcomes across the region.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the project demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration.
“I’ve heard the community loud and clear when it comes to housing. People want to know they can build a future here, raise their families here and afford to call this place home,” she said.
“Today is another example of what we can achieve when we listen to the community, work together and turn those concerns into real results.”
The two homes were purchased by Allambi Care using funding from the NSW Government’s Homes NSW Homelessness Innovation Fund.
Allambi Care CEO Simon Walsh said demand for affordable housing continued to place pressure on vulnerable families and young people.
“We are seeing more families and young people than ever with nowhere safe to live, and there simply isn’t enough affordable housing to meet the need,” he said.
“Working innovatively with partners like Homes NSW and Lake Macquarie City Council has enabled us to provide practical and cost-effective ways to address housing affordability and tackle homelessness.”
Funding has now been secured for an additional two-bedroom tiny home, with Allambi Care in early discussions with Council about future site leasing arrangements.
Council is also investigating planning reforms and potential housing supply opportunities on other Council-owned land, including at Booragul and Cardiff.
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