Lismore state MP Janelle Saffin is today hosting a forum on housing affordability, housing supply and homelessness at the Lismore Workers Club, which she says is a first step in advancing one of her electorate priorities.

Ms Saffin said the forum was in response to the dire need for affordable housing, housing supply and homeless support in the Lismore electorate and the wider region.

More than 40 key stakeholders from the housing sector, not-for-profit sector and local government have been invited to lend their frontline experience and expertise to a two-hour roundtable discussion.

“A large number of people contact me seeking support and the many agencies and individuals at the forum are better qualified than me to offer proposals and suggestions on how to tackle this serious issue,” Ms Saffin said.

“A number of organisations have clearly articulated what is needed and these resources will assist me to advocate in an informed way.

“It is of course up to the government to get the framework in order to deliver more housing stock.”

Ms Saffin said that after the forum she would prepare an advocacy plan outlining what was needed to address the issues and work in partnership with the community to try and secure some much-needed resources for the Northern Rivers region.

The forum follows Ms Saffin arranging for some housing service providers to brief NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay and Shadow Minister for the North Coast Adam Searle MLC during their recent visit to Lismore last month.