Media Release by Senator the Hon Mark Arbib

14 new apartments for vulnerable South Australians

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
  • Senator Alex Gallacher, Senator for South Australia

Vulnerable people living in Noarlunga Downs, are set to benefit from today’s opening of a housing project delivered under the Gillard Government’s national commitment to housing affordability and homelessness.

Senator for South Australia Alex Gallacher attended the opening of the Noarlunga Downs project.

“The Gillard Government understands that the cost of renting a home is a real pressure for many families,” Senator Gallacher said.

“This new 14 house development offers young Australians in the Noarlunga Downs community who are homeless or at risk of homelessness the security of a having a stable place to live.

“All units incorporate six star energy ratings demonstrating sustainable technologies and sound environmental principles.”

Senator Gallacher said the project would have never been possible without the contribution made by Southern Junction Community Services.

“Southern Junction Community Services provide a variety of services to marginalised young people and disadvantaged families in Adelaide’s southern suburbs and the Fleurieu Peninsula,” Senator Gallacher said.

Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib said more than 1,900 homes would be built under the National Partnership Agreement on Social Housing, which will house more than 3000 Australians.

“Under the National Partnership Agreement on Social Housing, around 1,540 dwellings have been completed, with around 54 per cent assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” Senator Arbib said.

“The National Partnership Agreement will increase the supply of social housing through new construction while helping to reduce homelessness and improve outcomes for homeless and Indigenous Australians.

“In South Australia, $29.8 million has been invested under the National Partnership Agreement on Social Housing for 140 dwellings, with construction commenced on 119 of which 58 have been completed and tenanted.”

Minister for Communities Tony Burke said the National Rental Affordability Scheme, was an excellent example of all levels of government working together to improve affordability in the rental sector.

“In South Australia alone, 1,842 affordable rental homes have been approved for development under the National Rental Affordability Scheme – 193 of these are located in the Kingston electorate,” Minister Burke said.

“These quality apartments were built as part of the Gillard Government’s national commitment to making housing affordable again which will see the construction of up to 50,000 rental homes for low and moderate income households.”