A THIRD of all homes built under a new affordable housing scheme announced by the NSW government will be built in regional NSW.
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A new $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund was announced by Premier Mike Baird just days after the government revealed a 10-year strategy for social and affordable housing, which seeks to transfer the management of 35 per cent of government housing to the community sector.
Future Directions in NSW Social Housing has also promised 23,500 new and replacement social housing dwellings, new mixed communities where social blends with private housing, and the increased use of private rental assistance.
Under the billion-dollar fund announced by Mr Baird, more than 3000 new homes have been promised to address the affordable housing shortage.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said he welcomed the fund and the fact a third of the promised dwellings would be allocated to country areas.
“There is a huge waiting list for social housing right across NSW and it is very apparent in country areas, so I’m urging locals to consider putting a proposal forward to provide housing and take advantage of this new fund,” he said.
Developers, infrastructure firms and community groups are now being invited to bid for the money, with tenderers asked to put forward business cases that “achieve social outcomes for tenants”.
Expressions of interest are due by March 15, and Mr Marshall said he’d already had discussions with several groups in his electorate that were working towards a submission.
He said local organisations that could also provide land for projects were especially welcome, as that would help the fund deliver “the biggest bang for the buck” and help the most number of vulnerable people into housing.
“Organisations are encouraged to form together to apply as consortia, to ensure that new housing is accompanied by people with the skills and services necessary to successfully manage social and affordable housing,” Mr Marshall said.
NCOSS chief executive Tracy Howe said she believed the fund had the potential to deliver “far more” than 3000 additional homes, and the announcement was long overdue.
“Secure, affordable housing that is connected to transport and jobs, to education and support services, is a crucial piece of the puzzle for reducing poverty and disadvantage in this state,” she said.
