$60 million social housing boost for Newcastle
A $60 million pipeline of almost 150 new homes is set to be delivered for people in need across Newcastle over the next three years, starting with the completion of eight new units at Waratah West.
The project on Stannett Street will be ready for tenants to move into by the end of September, while construction has just begun on a new 20-unit redevelopment at Lambton.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the projects reflect the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering social housing for the region.
“Waratah West and Lambton are among twelve projects currently in progress with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, which is set to deliver 148 new homes for people in need across Newcastle by mid-2025,” Mr Roberts said.
“We’re also beginning to see early works towards delivering new homes under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSW Government and City of Newcastle, and we’re already talking to the community about a new project in Wallsend.”
The recently-formed MOU between NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Council is a partnership that will innovate the delivery of social housing in Newcastle and fast-track priority housing projects.
Mr Roberts said the agreement with City of Newcastle is a strong example of the kind of collaborative effort needed to ease housing pressures across the state, with Council committing $6 million towards the delivery of social housing in their LGA, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the NSW Government.
“We need to continue to work across all levels of government in order to keep pace with the growing need for social housing, and we applaud the leadership shown by City of Newcastle,” Mr Roberts said.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said these new homes are much-needed to help house the region’s homeless.
“Tackling homelessness is one of the Government’s priorities. We are investing $17.2 million in homelessness services in the Hunter district, with $9.9 million of this being invested in the Port Stephens and Newcastle areas,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“Delivering social housing is the key to unlocking a range of services which put a roof over the heads of people who need it most and at the same time helps people lead more independent lives.
“We know that stable accommodation is vital for people to get back on their feet and access services and support to secure a brighter future.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is working closely with LAHC to increase positive social housing outcomes for the most at-risk people in the Newcastle LGA, thanks to the landmark social housing agreement.
"With sky rocketing inflation levels putting a strain on the everyday cost of living, thousands of families in our community are grappling with housing stress and are at risk of homelessness,” Cr Nelmes said.
"City of Newcastle is working in close partnership with LAHC to fast-track projects and it is exciting to be delivering the first homes to families at the end of September, under this historic partnership.
"Delivering social and affordable housing is a key priority of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan and the Newcastle Local Housing Strategy 2020, and today's announcement is welcome news with another 150 new homes to be delivered over the next three years.”
To learn more on how the NSW Government is working with the City of Newcastle, please visit:https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/news/historic-agreement-to-increase-social-housing-in-newcastle-and-boost-jobs.
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