The $60.5 million program in the NSW Government’s $2.3 billion COVID-19 stimulus package is delivering maintenance works and upgrades on public housing properties; including 50 per cent in regional NSW.
In this package, the NSW Land and Housing Corporation is implementing a $47 million program. This work includes pausing plans to redevelop the ageing Arncliffe Estate in Sydney’s South, to provide emergency accommodation in response to the crisis.
The LAHC is working with re-development partner, the Billbergia Group, and Evolve Housing, to provide the scoping plans needed to implement a works program that will ensure this housing is safe and habitable for new tenants.
This work includes electrical, kitchen and bathroom maintenance needed to refurbish 142 units and will be conducted to ensure no disruption to the 13 existing tenants at the site.
The program is also designed to ensure the housing is delivered at a lower price than what it would cost to rent emergency accommodation.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the Department of Communities and Justice will work with the LAHC to place tenants into the emergency housing, from the public housing priority list.
“This $60.5 million stimulus program delivers important public housing upgrades and new supply, while generating vital employment and economic relief at this critical time,” Minister Pavey said.
“This unprecedented crisis calls for different thinking and innovative approaches, to protect jobs and support the economy, our communities and vulnerable people and that is exactly what we’re doing.”
Stringent health and safety requirements implemented in response to COVID-19 will be followed, to protect any existing tenants and contractors from the virus.
A similar stimulus works program costing $13.5m is being undertaken through the Aboriginal Housing Office with a focus on improving living conditions and reducing cost of living pressures for Aboriginal tenants in regional and remote NSW.
