Stress cut by new affordable homes

HOUSING availability for low to moderate income earners has been improved after the completion of two new homes as part of the CVC's affordable housing plan.

HOUSING availability for low to moderate income earners has been improved following the completion of two new homes as part of the Clarence Valley Council's affordable housing plan.

The plan is designed to reduce the level of housing stress for workers as home prices continue to rise and rental availability falls.

The plan is an attempt to ensure service providers such as nurses and firemen – who may not be on high incomes – can still afford to live in the area, Des Schroder, CVC deputy general manager, said.

Part of the problem was that the value of real estate was rising faster than wages, he said.

“In places like Byron Bay, very few council workers can actually afford to live in the area they work in because housing there is so unaffordable. We don't want that to happen in Grafton,” he said.

The two new homes in Bacon St, Grafton, will be rented for 75% of their market value.

A single parent with one child could earn up to $54,900 and be eligible to rent one of the new houses or a couple with one child could earn up to $76,000 and be eligible.

There are a further 14 houses due for completion under the current plan: six in the area of Pullen Cl in Grafton, and six in Junction Hill.

Affordable housing is different to social housing offered for free, or very cheaply, through the Department of Housing, Mr Schroder said.

The NSW Housing department and Community Housing Ltd, a not-for-profit business, are partners in the CVC's affordable housing plan, according to Mayor Richie Williamson.

“We have provided the land but retain ownership of it. Housing NSW pays for construction and CHL manages the homes,” he said.

The council is also encouraging property developers to build townhouses and small units to diversify the housing stock in the Clarence Valley.

Originally published as Stress cut by new affordable homes