INDEPENDENT candidate for Lyne Jeremy Miller has brought the region’s housing crisis to the centre of the Federal election debate, releasing the results of a recent survey undertaken by his campaign.

Mr Miller said the results demonstrate the “urgent need for the full range of housing options, including affordable and social housing” across Lyne.

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Survey results indicate that essential workers – aged care workers, nurses, emergency service personnel etc – are struggling to secure housing in towns such as Taree, Forster, Gloucester, and Wauchope.

Seventy-five percent of survey respondents reported difficulties in securing a rental property.

Mr Miller said Lyne locals on average incomes have been “locked out of the market due to rising property prices”.

Fifty percent of respondents struggling with housing identified high costs and limited availability as the main challenges.

“Housing policy needs to reflect the diverse needs of our region,” Mr Miller said.

“It is critical that we engage with local communities to ensure development is sustainable and beneficial for all.”

Mr Miller’s housing policies include unlocking investment in regional housing through grants for local councils, developers, and social housing providers; free TAFE and wage subsidies for apprenticeships in construction and essential trades to build a skilled workforce; Essential Worker Housing Programs, expanding the shared equity scheme to attract and retain skilled workers in regional areas; and investment in infrastructure and utilities in new housing precincts to encourage private sector development.

Further survey results were released by the Miller campaign on Tuesday, regarding energy and environment reform.

According to Mr Miller, 98 percent of respondents believe taxpayer dollars should be used to fund clean energy projects, not continue subsidising coal and gas companies.

“Ninety-two percent expressed support for a government-backed Energy Hub in Lyne to help people better understand the different energy sources available to them,” M Miller added.