Housing Scarcity
Newcastle Herald
Monday September 3, 2007
SEVERE housing shortages in the Upper Hunter, created by big increases in contract mineworkers, is the subject of a new report that identifies company-provided accommodation as a possible solution.
Singleton Shire Council has produced a comprehensive plan to tackle the problem after a forum revealed serious housing shortages and associated social problems. The report will be presented to the council at its meeting today and some of its recommendations include:? New housing areas to include accommodation for the disadvantaged.? Staged release of new residential land within 12 to 18 months.? Working with big mining employers to provide housing for new staff. Chamber of Commerce president Gill Eason said the fringe benefit tax killed company-supplied housing but its provision should be considered. Mrs Eason said people had been bidding just to secure rented housing in Singleton and a pressure cooker situation would develop unless solutions were found. "The numbers of contractors have increased by a huge amount," she said. "Twenty years ago mine contractors were not allowed on site." The report said 35 per cent of the Singleton shire population was on very high wages, which masked financial disadvantage when funding needs were assessed by federal and state governments. It also tackled the land supply question.The council will consider a confidential report tonight on expressions of interest from developers for the sale and marketing of its industrial and residential land at Mount Thorley and Singleton Heights.
© 2007 Newcastle Herald
