PART ONE - Fishers Ghost

The current rate of social housing stock replacement under the AHSEPP (3-4 unitsfor every fibro cottage demolished) could result in a significant increase in the totalnumber of social housing dwellings within the Campbelltown LGA.The substantial increase in social housing dwellings in Campbelltown is notsupported for the following reasons:1. Campbelltown LGA has a large share of social housing (12.2 %) compared to4.8% for the GMR;2. The residential developments provided under the AHSEPP do not comply withCouncil’s SCDCP and are of much higher densities; and3. The affordability maps prepared by the Department indicate that 80%-100% ofthe private rental housing stock in Campbelltown LGA is affordable, and assuch, housing NSW should aim to provide houses where they are mostneeded.It is considered inappropriate to continue the 1970s trends of placing large numbersof disadvantaged population in one locality. It is understood that Housing NSW isundertaking renewal projects for some of the major housing estates in Campbelltown,however, it is clear from the amount of construction that is currently being undertakenby Housing NSW that Campbelltown will continue to house more social housingcompared to other LGA’s within NSW.The AHSEPP was prepared to provide affordable housing where it is most needed.Discussions with the Department has indicated that to date, there has not been anyanalysis on where the projects are being delivered; rather the information gatheredand released only indicates the total number of dwellings that have been built underthe policy.While it is clear that the Department has undertaken work to determine thepercentage of the affordable housing stock in each LGA (page 2 of Attachment 2),there are no controls or incentives provided under the AHSEEP to encourage socialhousing providers or housing NSW to undertake projects within these LGA’s.Renewal projects and replacement of old fibro cottages are welcomed inCampbelltown, provided that they do not result in significant change in character ofan area or an imbalance of social mix in the existing neighbourhoods and streets. Inaddition these developments should comply with local development controlsprepared and adopted by Council.It is recommended that Council write to the Department seeking exemption fromDivision 6 of the AHSEPP. This would ensure that social housing withinCampbelltown LGA is developed and assessed under current planning controls. Itwould also ensure that Housing NSW focus on suburbs near Sydney CBD and NorthSydney, where these types of development are mostly needed.