Shock reason why affordable housing project in Lismore CBD halted ‘indefinitely’
More older women are finding themselves in desperation as the housing crisis “continues to escalate” on the Northern Rivers. So why is one shovel-ready solution unable to get started?
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One solution to the Northern Rivers’ growing rental crisis is “shovel-ready”, but a lack of funding has halted the project indefinitely.
Lismore welfare and community capacity building program, Community Gateway, received approval in May 2020 for a 10-bedroom development in the Lismore CBD and is just one step away from work starting.
Unfortunately that step is state funding.
“Along with several other housing agencies in the region, we have applied for funding from NSW Government to build the development,” a statement from the organisation said.
“As we await the results of our funding application, the rental housing crisis in the Northern Rivers continues to escalate.”
The space, should it go ahead, is said to be dedicated to older, vulnerable women, according to CEO Jenni Beetson-Mortimer.
“This development meets a growing social need in Lismore,” she said.
“It will increase housing availability in the CBD, it utilises the space over our carpark and is within walking access to local shops and services.
“Most importantly, it will revitalise Lismore CBD with a modern and sustainable development.”
Ms Beetson-Mortimer said research from Southern Cross University and the Australian Human Rights Commission 2019 highlighted the significant risks factors older women have in becoming victims of “economic disadvantage”.
The 14-18 Bounty St was first brought to council in 2019.
Along with a coffee shop and open-air car park on the ground floor, the development includes communal areas, rooftop entertaining areas and garden plots.
Vertical planting features on the outside of the building are included in the development plans.
It was estimated at the time the project would cost $3.4 million.
The building is currently used as NRCG‘s community centre and was originally built as a council library in the 1970s.
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