City Deal is signed, sealed and delivered ... almost

UPDATED: Four social housing providers will benefit from a $30 million package aimed at building more than 130 properties for Hobart residents in need. READ THE EDITORIAL

A concept drawing of a $460 million replacement Bridgewater Bridge. Picture: supplied

UPDATED: FOUR social housing providers will benefit from a $30 million package aimed at building more than 130 properties for Hobart residents in need.

Housing Choices Tasmania, Community Housing Limited and CatholicCare Tasmania will receive $8 million each to build a total 104 houses, while the Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust will receive $6 million to build 27 homes for people with disability.

The money will flow as part of the long-awaited Hobart City Deal.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch and Premier Will Hodgman at an affordable housing launch last year. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Announcing the funding today, Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz said it was a “huge investment in anybody’s language”.

Clark independent MHR Andrew Wilkie lobbied the government for housing funding last year.

“This is terrific news and will go a long way towards helping the thousands of Tasmanians without secure housing, especially among those who are most vulnerable such as people with a disability, the elderly and people fleeing domestic violence,” Mr Wilkie said.

https://t.co/pwIOm5DXUF $30m housing game-changer for the Hobart area #auspol #politas pic.twitter.com/BuHOHzO5v3

— Andrew Wilkie MP (@WilkieMP) February 22, 2019

$30 million City Deal boost for Affordable Housing in Hobart #politas #auspol https://t.co/uFPvPSh7Ae

— Eric Abetz (@SenatorAbetz) February 21, 2019

EARLIER: HOBART’S City Deal will be signed on Sunday.

A $30 million affordable housing package to help ease Hobart’s housing crisis will be announced on today as the first element of the deal.

The Mercury understands a congestion-busting package will be revealed tomorrow by Cities Minister Alan Tudge before Prime Minister Scott Morrison flies in on Sunday to sign the deal with Premier Will Hodgman.

TODAY’S EDITORIAL: FINALLY, OUR DEAL IS READY

The final deal has not yet been made public but the key elements floated to date include $460 million for the Bridgewater bridge, the $400 million University of Tasmania STEM centre, a light rail system and modern public transport as well as redevelopment of Macquarie Point.

The final announcement has been delayed by the state’s bushfire crisis.

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An artist’s impression of the University of Tasmania’s STEM precinct on Argyle and Melville streets in Hobart.

The $30 million housing package will pay for more than 100 new social housing dwellings across greater Hobart.

Mr Tudge said the investment would deliver an increase in housing supply, sharply focused on supporting Tasmanians in need.

“Through the City Deal, all three levels of government are working together to look after low-income families, people escaping domestic and family violence, older people and people living with disability,” he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, left, and Cities Minister Alan Tudge. Picture: AAP

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said the investment built on work already under way through the State Government’s Affordable Housing Strategy.

“This boost will provide more support for Tasmanians in need,” he said.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch.

“It complements the largest-ever State Government investment of $200 million over eight years, to address demand across the entire housing spectrum.”

Senator Eric Abetz said the money was a welcome boost for Tasmanian families.

“This will give Tasmanians, particularly those living in low-income households, the opportunity to buy or rent dwellings where they can enjoy access to employment opportunities, local community amenities and efficient transport links to the rest of the city,” he said.

“In addition to helping to relieve housing affordability pressures, this important investment will also help to create more jobs during the construction of these homes.”

The funding is guaranteed no matter which party wins the upcoming federal election.