Northern Beaches Administrator Dick Persson AM said it is about time that we get serious about affordable housing on the Northern Beaches. His comments follow the Northern Beaches Council meeting last week, where an Administrator's Minute was adopted to develop a new affordable housing policy for the Northern Beaches.

"It is about time that we get serious about affordable housing on the Northern Beaches and am pleased that Council will consider how we can amend land use strategies and the mix of dwelling types to provide affordable housing for our community," Mr Persson said.

For many residents on the Northern Beaches home ownership is out of reach. More and more residents are also suffering from 'housing stress', with more than 30% of their incoming being spent on the cost of housing.

The lack of housing affordability is also having an impact on our ability to attract and retain workers.

"Speaking with residents and business owners, the financial challenges facing many people who wish to work and live on the Northern Beaches are clear. That includes young people and key workers in what are often low paid jobs.

"Local employers have told me about the difficulty in attracting and retaining workers due to the cost of housing or long commuting times for workers outside the Council area."

Mr Persson said affordable housing will be included in the development of the land release at Ingleside and the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct and has asked Council staff to work with the Affordable Housing Strategic Reference Group to develop a new policy for the Northern Beaches.

"I also want Council to explore partnership opportunities with the State Government and community housing providers to deliver and manage affordable rental housing on Council's behalf," he said.

The Northern Beaches Council can also pursue the delivery of affordable housing through Voluntary Planning Agreements and take a lead in the advocacy of affordable housing policies.

Mr Persson has asked Council to provide a progress report in three months and will also lobby Planning Minister Rob Stokes for his support.