Labor’s candidate for Cowper, Greg Vigors, visited Bellingen last week to talk housing and accommodation matters with the Housing Matters Action Group (HMAG).
Greg said he is keen to work with HMAG and another community group to explore and support innovative ways to improve the supply of housing locally.
“Housing is an area where the community and all three levels of government need to work together. That is why I will continue to support the work of HMAG, whose successes represent this way of working achieves results,” Greg said.
Greg and HMAG staff had wide-ranging discussions on accommodation issues across NSW and housing affordability in the Bellingen Shire.
Greg explained the support for social housing and new announcements in the Budget, highlighting Labor’s Housing Future Fund.
“This includes lifting total commitments in housing to $33 billion. Labor will lead a national effort to speed up housing construction with a targeted investment of $54 million in advanced manufacturing of prefabricated and modular home construction.”
“The income and price caps for the Help to Buy scheme will be expanded so more first home buyers will be eligible to purchase a home with a lower deposit and a smaller mortgage.”
“Most importantly, Labor is launching a $1 billion fund for crisis and transitional accommodation and investing $6.2 million over 3 years to support leading homelessness organisations.”
Greg is a long-term resident of the Coffs Coast and was the Labor candidate for Oxley in the 2022 NSW. He has developed a strong working relationship with NSW Housing Minister, Rose Jackson. who has been supportive of HMAG’s work.
Greg is aloss a passionate advocate for the well-being of children, shaped by his years as a coach for the Valley Braves junior basketball team and nearly a decade of service on the board of Coffs Harbour’s Sportz Central indoor stadium. Through these roles, Greg has seen firsthand how sports empower young people, fostering teamwork, resilience, and confidence. The Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge Basketball Carnival, named in honour of Greg’s late wife, is a testament to his enduring commitment to young athletes
Greg has held leadership roles in surf lifesaving, advocated for workers, and supported people living with disabilities. His was awarded the prestigious Australian Services Medal in 2017, as recognition of his outstanding contribution to beach safety.