Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has welcomed the Federal Government’s call for public submissions on ways to boost the supply of affordable rental housing on the North Coast. “The Federal Government has established a working group tasked with identifying ways to increase affordable housing supply for those on low incomes, now the net has been cast to the wider public for ideas on innovative financing models,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Population growth, coupled with major infrastructure projects such as the Pacific Highway upgrade, has seen a tightening of the rental market and very low vacancy rates in areas such as Coffs Harbour and Kempsey. “A key to affordable rental housing on the North Coast is to increasing the supply by attracting investment. “Improvements in the area of attracting investment to affordable housing supply will require innovative and collaborative approaches across the private and not-for-profit sectors,” Mr Hartsuyker said. Mr Hartsuyker said the Federal Government’s work on affordable housing will complement initiatives already underway in New South Wales, such as the State Government’s recently announced Social and Affordable Housing Fund. “We are committed to finding innovative solutions to affordable housing issues, and to collaborating with the states to ensure we identify the most viable proposals for future implementation,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “The commitment of the states towards better outcomes in affordable housing signals we are working towards the same goals. This is a positive step towards ensuring Australia’s future prosperity.” Public submissions are open until 11 March 2016. Round tables with industry and academic experts will be held during the submission process. The working group is expected to provide its final report, including recommendations for possible trials and next steps, to the Heads of Treasuries by 30 June 2016. Further information on how to make a submission are available at: http://www.treasury.gov.au/ConsultationsandReviews/Consultations/2016/CFFR-Affordable-Housing-Working-Group