First affordable housing complex in the Hills a boon for those in need
AFFORDABLE housing has received a boost in the Hills district with the opening of a 28-unit apartment block at Rouse Hill Town Centre.
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AFFORDABLE housing has received a boost in the Hills district with the opening of a 28-unit apartment block at Rouse Hill Town Centre.
Wentworth Community Housing, which is behind the long-awaited accommodation, said 23 units had already been allocated.
Single income families, including nurses and police officers, and retirees are eligible to apply for the housing, with rents capped at 75 per cent of the market prices.
“The abundance of applications received from prospective tenants highlights the need for affordable housing in the Hills district where rents are approximately 30-60 per cent higher than the adjacent Blacktown LGA,” said Wentworth Community Housing chief executive Stephen McIntyre at the official opening of the $8.5 million complex last Thursday.
“This unique affordable housing project in Rouse Hill showcases what can be achieved when a community organisation works closely with the private sector and governments to achieve positive outcomes for the community.”
Castle Hill state Liberal MP Ray Williams, representing Social Housing Minister Brad Hazzard, said the new housing would provide relief to many families.
“Providing a person or couple earns a yearly income that falls within the eligibility criteria they will have the opportunity to apply for this affordable housing,” Mr Williams said.
“Providing a person or couple earn a yearly income that falls within the eligibility criteria they will have the opportunity to apply for this affordable housing.”
“As an example couples with one income who are nurses or police officers may meet the eligibility criteria, or a retired person seeking accommodation could also apply.
For Ann, who has been waiting for more than two years for affordable housing, it is well worth the wait.
“I have been waiting for two and half years for something like this and when I got the keys to my new home, I just teared up,” Ann said.
“It’s very close to the shopping centre and much better than I expected and I thank everyone one at Wentworth Community Housing for their help in getting me this unit.”
Ann is one of the 23 residents who have already moved into the 28-apartment building which was officially opened in front of an appreciative crowd, many of whom work with those in need.
The other tenants are in the process of being selected for the $8.5 million complex which features one, two and three bedroom apartments.
Mitchell federal Liberal MP Alex Hawke said the Hills had to fight harder than many other suburbs to receive affordable housing and vowed to fight for more similar housing in the area.
“The Hills is unique and community minded ... but because we are deemed affluent by (the NSW Government), we lose out on funding (for social and affordable housing),” Mr Hawke said.
“Part of it is true, part of it is not true as we need to get essential services in the Hills.”
“We have to fight harder to get more services in the Hills as there a lot of hidden disadvantaged (people) in our community.”
The land was provided by Lend Lease, as part of its affordable housing contribution under a voluntary planning agreement with the NSW Government.
The next affordable housing from Wentworth Community Housing will be a 10-unit complex at 71-81 Caddies Blvd, Rouse Hill in June, 2017.
The NSW government is investing $1.1 billion into the Social and Affordable Housing Fund.
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