Federal Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness, Mark Arbib, and Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury, last week the handover of the 750th social housing home to MA Housing in NSW.
Senator Arbib said the completion of the 750th social housing home for MA Housing is delivering on the commitment agreed at the Housing Minister's conference in 2009 to increase the number of dwellings managed by the community housing sector.
“This home is part of a new $21.9 million seniors’ development, which features 40 one-bedroom and 25 two-bedroom units and is funded under the Australian Government’s $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative,” Senator Arbib said.
Mr Bradbury said for seniors finding an affordable and safe place to live in the local area not only gives peace of mind but is an important part of staying connected with your community.
“This development, built by Masterton Homes, will offer much needed accommodation to local residents who have faced difficulties in securing long-term housing,” Mr Bradbury said.
“As our population ages and expands it is imperative that we provide affordable and secure housing to the most vulnerable in our community.
“All 65 apartments in this development incorporate energy and water efficiency features demonstrating sustainable technologies and sound environmental principles – all of which incorporate universal design principles.
“Thirty-four of these units are Class C Adaptable which will assist tenants to remain in their properties as they age.”
Mr Bradbury also acknowledged Mission Australia’s MA Housing for its involvement and management of this project and its role in managing around 1500 affordable and social housing homes across NSW, Tasmania, and Victoria.
Senator Arbib said the $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative was the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.
“The Social Housing Initiative, delivered under the Government’s stimulus package, is designed to assist low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market,” Senator Arbib said.
“Under the Initiative, around 19,600 homes are being constructed across the nation and will be completed by June 2012 – almost 16,000 of these have already been completed.
“In New South Wales, more than 5,700 of the over 6,300 new homes we have committed funding to have been completed under the Social Housing Initiative.
“The homes built under this program are great places to live, meeting high standards for energy efficiency and access for people with limited mobility.”
