Dozens of new homes will be delivered for people in need across Newcastle and the Hunter region. More than $45 million is being invested across a range of social housing projects, including restoration of homes and redevelopments.
The NSW and Federal Government is today announcing:
- Construction is underway on four new social housing projects, with three projects at Waratah West and one project at Lambton. Totalling more than $24 million, the projects will see the transformation of nine ageing properties into 40 new modern and accessible homes.
- As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Homes NSW and City of Newcastle, construction is also underway on nine new social homes in Wallsend, partly funded from the $610 million provided under the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Fund (SHAF).
- Under the recently completed SHAF restoration program, nine existing properties in Toronto, Windale, Gateshead, Elermore Vale and Edgeworth have been completely refurbished, with $925,000 spent on ensuring the previously uninhabitable homes were upgraded to provide immediate relief for those most in need.
- A further two projects at Maryland are in the pipeline have the potential to deliver up to 25 new homes comprising of one, two and three-bedroom units.
Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson said
“We know the housing crisis is hitting regional areas hard, particularly places that are experiencing rapid growth such as Newcastle, Hunter and Lake Macquarie. That’s why this injection of more than $45 million is so important in providing much needed social housing.
“We’re extremely fortunate and thankful to have such a committed partner in the City of Newcastle. A Council that is willing to work with us towards the common goal of creating more housing for those who need it most.
“We want our homes to be fit for purpose and assisting as many people as possible. To do this we need to think outside the box when it comes to addressing the housing crisis – this means looking at all options for housing including refurbishments, redevelopments and new builds.
Restoring nine beautiful family homes to their former glory, at a fraction of the cost of a new build, means we can assist people on the waiting list sooner and was a no brainer.”
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said
“I’ve been fighting for years to have a strong injection of new social and affordable housing in the Wallsend electorate. I’m pleased that the Minister has heard our pleas and responded so readily to invest in our region.
“The NSW Government’s budget this year has demonstrated our steadfast commitment to housing with over $6 billion being invested. I’m pleased that the Wallsend electorate is receiving a fair share of this funding.”
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said
“City of Newcastle is the only council in the region to negotiate an innovative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSW Government to increase the delivery of social housing in Newcastle and fast-track priority housing projects. That’s why four out of five of these projects are in Newcastle.
“It is unique for a local council to be co-funding a NSW Government project but building more public housing is an urgent issue and I was pleased to negotiate this deal with the state government.
“Council’s investment is helping deliver more public housing in Wallsend. There is more to do, but this is a fantastic start.”