An innovative local response to the housing crisis – Byron Shire Community Land Trust, is a much-needed beacon of hope for the Northern Rivers housing crisis, with many people at breaking point.

Locals are concerned the housing and homelessness crisis is altering the culture and community that initially attracted people to this region. House prices are the highest in the country, rental properties are scarce, rents exorbitant, secure leases almost non-existent, and yet competition remains fierce.

In an innovative local response to the ongoing crisis in Byron Shire, we are delighted to share that the Byron Shire Community Land Trust has been established to create a secure and stable rental model for those that need it most.

NRCF held a foundational role, assisting in establishment, governance and stewarding donations while the Community Land Trust charity structure was formally established.

This was done through the setting up an NRCF Sub Fund with the special purpose of:

“Creating modest and well-designed rental accommodation for people experiencing disadvantage, for people with lower incomes and/or for women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence in the Byron Shire.”

NRCF is proud to support this project alongside a shared vision that the Community Land Trust model can play an important role in the affordable housing mix and when proven as a successful model it will be replicated across the Northern Rivers.

To read more about the Byron Community Land Trust, visit their website here.