Builders call for action as housing pressures mount

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has warned that housing pressures across regional NSW are reaching critical levels.

Builders and industry leaders gathered in Taree last week for a Regional Housing Roundtable hosted with Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Member for Lyne Alison Penfold.

“The discussions in Taree reflect the growing challenges faced by builders in regional centres, with workforce shortages, planning delays and a lack of enabling infrastructure holding back new housing supply,” HIA Executive Director Hunter, Craig Jennion said on Monday.

“Housing affordability and supply are no longer just city problems; they’re biting hard across regional Australia.

“Across the Mid North Coast the demand for housing continues to rise, yet local builders are struggling to find land, workers and approvals fast enough to keep up.

“According to HIA’s Housing the Regions report, regional NSW accounted for 42 percent of all net migration inflows in 2024, showing a strong shift of people leaving the cities for regional life.

“Yet many towns such as Taree face worsening shortages in both skilled trades and affordable homes.

“Local builders report that project approvals can take many months, material costs remain high and finding qualified trades is a constant challenge particularly for carpentry, bricklaying and electrical work.

“Regional communities like Taree are ready to grow, but they need the right support from government,” Mr Jennion said.

The Housing the Regions report calls for national and state governments to focus on planning reform, land release and training initiatives to support regional growth.

“Regional NSW has a major role to play in meeting the nation’s housing targets.

“With the right policy focus, towns like Taree can be at the forefront of Australia’s housing recovery.”