Projects & Publications
AHCS Resources
Enabling Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes
Affordable housing contribution schemes (AHCSs) provide an important avenue for NSW councils to expand the supply of much needed affordable housing in their areas. There are however few schemes in place, with councils experiencing a range of challenges when seeking to introduce a scheme. Limited resources, long lead times and lack of specialist expertise are amongst the impediments.
Through the Resilient Sydney AHCS Project, Urbanista has prepared a package of resources designed to streamline the process and to enhance the quality, effectiveness and take-up of AHCSs.
The resource package is focused on opportunities to address the main barriers to AHCSs identified through wide engagement with Greater Sydney Region councils, representatives of government and peak bodies and other experts.
The package is designed to help councils satisfy the requirements set out the Department of Planning and Environment’s ‘Guideline for Developing an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme’ (the DPE’s AHCS Guideline).
Urbanista AHCS – Workshop Presentation 1 March 23 outlines the background work and introduces the resource package.
Resource Package for Councils
AHCS Overview of Resources and Recommendations
AHCS Evidence Base – Set of core metrics to demonstrate the need for a Scheme to local communities and stakeholders.
AHCS Standard LEP Clause – A standard clause that can be adapted by councils for inclusion in their LEP to activate their AHCS.
AHCS Base Template – A partially prepopulated base for an AHCS formatted in keeping with the DPE’s AHCS Guideline, with explanatory notes to guide preparation of a scheme. (Note: The AHCS Template is the base for a more comprehensive template developed through Resilient Sydney)
AHCS Compendium – Practical examples and guidance, including advice on partnering with a community housing provider (CHP) or providers.
AHCS Resources – LEP and AHCS provisions in use for current schemes.
Additional Materials
AHCS 2022 Council Engagement Results provides an overview of feedback received from councils, focussing on barriers and opportunities to address these.
AHCS Directions Paper prepared to guide areas where tools and resources would be of greatest benefit based on research and engagement.
AHCS Scoping for Standard Method for Setting Contribution Rates provides a scope of works for exploration of a more streamlined and standardised approach.
AHCS Tracking of Contributions and Outcomes proposes enhancements to the Planning Portal to enable and support better systems to track contributions and monitor outcomes.
AHCS Wider Improvement and Intervention Opportunities identifies potential for more substantive changes, beyond what is possible under the current legislative framework or which would require adjustments to the legislative framework or Regional/District Plans.
