Minister for the North Coast talks housing in Coffs Harbour Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 8, 2024March 8, 2024 Labor MLC Cameron Murphy and Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson discussing Coffs Coast issues. MINISTER for the North Coast Rose Jackson visited Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 5 March to attend meetings with key community and stakeholder representatives. Ms Jackson holds a diverse portfolio of ministerial responsibilities, also serving as the Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health and Youth. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au She was accompanied on her mid-week visit by Labor MLC Cameron Murphy, the NSW Government’s spokesperson for Coffs Harbour. Ms Jackson held a press conference at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus, where she discussed a range of issues including the local screen industry and water supply. She told reporters she had attended a very productive meeting with local screen industry professionals that morning, highlighting her belief that Coffs Harbour could become a major player in the national TV and film industry. Housing was another major topic of discussion. “The key for me is continuing the work we’ve been doing on housing,” Ms Jackson said. “We know there is an enormous amount of work still to be done to ensure this region has affordable housing.” Ms Jackson highlighted the need for more social housing, as well as ensuring that support services are properly resourced. Ms Jackson said it is important that community consultation about social housing is genuine, and done with Council, housing services and Aboriginal groups. “You have to come and meet people face to face.” On the issue of the Jetty foreshore, Ms Jackson said she wants to ensure there is at least 30 percent affordable housing included in any project. Ms Jackson also stressed the need for housing of all types, because professionals such as doctors, film industry workers and teachers need accommodation too. When quizzed about the state’s short-term rental accommodation (STRA) situation, Ms Jackson said the government is committed to reviewing STRA, highlighting the consultation process currently underway. “We know that the face of homelessness is changing,” she said, acknowledging that changes in the housing market in recent years had put more people, including those with jobs, at risk of experiencing homelessness. By Andrew VIVIAN
