The Waterfall Way CLT Ltd will introduce the Community Land Trust (CLT) model for forever affordable shared home ownership for locals at a series of public information sessions next month.
To be held in Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga, the sessions are the latest outcome the Housing Matters Action Group’s (HMAG) work on addressing the housing affordability crisis in the Bellingen Shire.
HMAG has formed the the new community-led not-for-profit housing organisation after launching the Community Land Trust Project in 2023, thanks to a funding partnership with the Siddle Family Foundation.
Kerry Pearse, Executive Officer of Waterfall Way CLT Ltd., said the project is focused on supporting the ‘missing middle’— local income earners who earn too much to qualify for social housing but cannot afford to buy a home locally.
“This includes local workers, young families, and long-term residents who want to remain in their communities,” Kerry said.
“The housing crisis is pricing out the very people who keep our communities running—nurses, early childhood educators, teachers, people in retail, tourism, hospitality –really most people on a local wage.”
Residents attending the sessions will learn how the CLT works and be invited to register their interest as potential future residents or supporters.
“The CLT model offers a practical, community-owned solution to deliver housing that remains affordable for generations to come. Houses are a few years away, but we are now up and running.”
Kerry said CLTs already enjoy a solid footprint internationally and have a proven track record in providing long-term, secure, affordable homes for moderate-income households.
CLTs are a common form of land ownership in the US and the UK. In the US, CLT housing ranges from affordable rentals in boarding houses to buyers of single-family houses, townhouses, and apartments.
The Waterfall WAY is CLT is one several that are now emerging in Australia, with other examples including the Byron Shire Community Housing Ltd and the Blue Mountains CLT.
The Waterfall Way CLT Public Information Session dates and locations are:
• Dorrigo CWA Hall – Sunday 1 June, 1:00–2:30 PM
• Urunga School of the Arts Hall– Tuesday 3 June, 5:30–7:00 PM
• Bellingen Memorial Hall Studio – Tuesday 5 June, 5:30–7:00 PM
For more information, contact Rose West 0494 331 821 or clt@housingmatters.org.au