In northern NSW, housing instability is becoming a health risk

In the already Covid-stretched hospitals of northern New South Wales, health workers are struggling with another growing pressure caused by the pandemic.

House prices have soared in Byron Bay and surrounding areas since Covid lockdowns and work-from-home inspired many to flee the city for a sea or tree change.

Every additional stressor is being felt due to the surge in demand brought on by Covid, and already prevalent GP shortages.

She is considering buying a caravan or pitching a tent.

The median house price in the Byron shire has more than doubled over the past five years, overtaking Sydney to hit $1.7m, according to the latest data from Domain.

Speaking in support, councillor Sarah Ndiaye said the housing boom was making the local community increasingly vulnerable, while the wealth is poured into state coffers.

Groups such as Homelessness NSW have been calling on the government to build 50,000 social housing units across the state over the next 10 years to deal with the crisis.