Planning for More Affordable Rental Housing in Bayside

Bayside Council is committed to creating the right conditions for more affordable rental housing across our area. With rising housing costs, we need clear policies, mechanisms, and planning tools to meet current and future demand.

The Bayside Affordable Rental Housing Strategy sets out how we will support the delivery of safe, secure, and affordable homes for residents and workers on very low, low, and moderate incomes. It aims to:

  • Define affordable rental housing
  • Identify how much affordable rental housing is needed across the LGA
  • Protect existing affordable housing
  • Advocate for improved housing affordability
  • Enable more affordable and diverse housing types
  • Monitor and report on progress.

By working with the development industry, community housing providers, and the community, we aim to increase the supply of well-designed, affordable rental housing that reflects the character of our neighbourhoods and supports a more inclusive Bayside.

Review the Draft Affordable Rental Housing Strategy Here

Have Your Say

Together, we can shape a more inclusive Bayside. Your input will help ensure the strategy reflects local needs and creates long-term solutions.

Supporting documents

We’ve done the research. Three key reports support the strategy, each document explains the need for action and how we can move forward.

You can review the report here

You can review the report here

You can review the report here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

This draft Strategy outlines the approach that Bayside Council will take to facilitate the planning and delivery of affordable rental housing.

Three policy interventions are proposed:

1.Introduce an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme

2.Build Affordable Housing Dwellings

3.Collaborate with State and Federal Government


What We Heard

To inform the development of the Bayside Draft Affordable Rental Housing Strategy, Council undertook engagement as part of the earlier Bayside Affordable Housing Options Paper. We consulted with 38 key stakeholders from the government, community housing providers and development sectors.

These stakeholders shared valuable insights into local housing affordability challenges, barriers to delivering affordable housing, and actions the Council could consider. Key themes included the need for greater public understanding of affordable housing, support for smaller and more diverse housing types, and the importance of removing development barriers such as high construction costs, parking requirements, and fees. Stakeholders also emphasised the value of long-term planning, partnerships with community housing providers, and proactive Council support.

You can read the engagement summary in the Options Paper on pages 27 - 34.

The Strategy will measure its progress annually by tracking things like how many Affordable Housing dwellings are built, how funds are spent, and stakeholder feedback. It will be reviewed every four years to make sure it is working and can adapt to new needs.

Post-exhibition report to Council in late 2025 on the feedback received on the Draft Affordable Rental Housing Strategy

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Lifecycle

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Feedback Opens 4 July - 4 August 2025

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Under review

    Contributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review.

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Final decision or outcome

Who's Listening

Community Engagement Team

Email: haveyoursay@bayside.nsw.gov.au