PORT Stephens Council have agreed to investigate the viability of a plan to repurpose holiday cabins, which have been replaced by newer ones in Council-owned holiday parks, in order to provide housing options for those individuals and families struggling in the midst of a nationwide housing crisis.

In an urgent motion brought to council by Cr Leah Anderson, the suggestion was made that Council may have more opportunity and capacity to address the issue.

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Cr Anderson has been involved as part of Port Stephens’ recently formed Homelessness Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and cited that group’s input in encouraging the Council to find unique ways of combating the decline in affordable housing.

“With homelessness and lack of affordable housing increasing, I think Council needs to think outside the square on how we can be part of the solution,” said Cr Anderson.

The motion proposed that a Council team investigate the costs and logistics involved in locating appropriate properties and transporting cabins from holiday accommodation after they have been cycled out of commercial use.

Cr Kafer requested that investigation specifically consider Council-owned properties that may be appropriate to be used should the plan prove feasible.

Though acknowledging the myriad of questions that needed to be answered regarding the logistics of implementing such a program, the motion was met with unanimous Council approval.

The report for this matter is due to be completed by 10 October 2023.

By Lindsay HALL