Our housing system is broken. House prices and rents in the Ballina Shire have skyrocketed in recent years and availability is scarce. Local families tell us they are having to leave town because they can’t afford to live here. Small businesses are cutting back hours because they can’t find staff. Council and other industries are struggling to attract essential workers like planners and engineers to our Shire.

The Greens have a plan to build hundreds of genuinely affordable rental homes for local workers on Council-owned residential land that is out of the flood plain and close to services. These homes, which will include a mix of 1,2 and 3 bedroom units will be developed by Council and leased through a real estate agent, however instead of charging market rate, the rent will be fixed at 25% of gross household income. Not only will this ensure that the homes are affordable, but it will provide competition with the private rental market and push down rents for everyone.

Come and learn more about the proposal, contribute ideas and ask questions.