IN an effort to tackle the housing crisis the state government has begun building a social housing project in Shellharbour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $23 million development includes 38 social housing properties and 33 affordable housing dwellings which are designed for people over 55 and people with a disability.
This came in response to NSW Family and Community Services (FACS) research which showed that just over half of the low income households who are renting in Shellharbour were in “housing stress” which meant that over 30 per cent of the total household income was used for rent or mortgage.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for the Illawarra and South Coast, Gareth Ward met with the Minister for Social Housing Brad Hazzard last Thursday, June 11.
Mr Ward said the NSW Government had delivered $12.2 million for the project which included 55 new apartments and 16 villas in Wattle Street.
“This will provide homes for more than 100 vulnerable people who need affordable accommodation and help reduce the waiting list for social housing in the area.”
The housing is expected to re expected to be ready for tenants to move in to by the end of October 2015.
Housing Trust CEO, Joan Ferguson said the trust were ‘‘looking forward’’ to providing homes specifically tailored to the needs of seniors and those with a disability.
‘‘We are proud of the partnerships we have developed with the government, builder and developer to create a community environment that is positioned close to amenities,’’ she said.
The project is a joint effort between the NSW Government, the Housing Trust and the Australian Government.
The NSW Government contribution of $12.21 million comes as part of the National Rental Affordability Scheme with the Housing Trust contributing a further $10.9 million to the project. The Australian Government will make an ongoing contribution of $8,187 (indexed) per unit per year for 10 years.