Media Release by The Hon Luke Howarth MP

New affordable accommodation for Tasmanians with disability

Joint Media Release with:

  • Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, The Hon Alan Tudge MP

    Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services, The Hon Luke Howarth MP

    Senator for Tasmania, The Hon Eric Abetz

More Tasmanians will have access to social housing with the opening today of the first of 27 new specially designed homes for people with disability.

The $6 million accommodation package, produced in conjunction with the Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust, is part of the Morrison Government’s commitments under the Hobart City Deal.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new accommodation was a significant step towards improving housing affordability for vulnerable Tasmanians.

“Our priority is to ensure access to housing for those most in need,” Mr Tudge said.

“Tasmanians also need a diverse range of housing options and we are working towards delivering that.”

The new accommodation is on track for completion by mid-2021.

Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services Luke Howarth said an agreement between the Morrison Government and the Affordable Accommodation Trust secured the construction of the development as part of the Hobart City Deal.

“27 accessible accommodation units will be built across nine sites for people with disability,” Assistant Minister Howarth said.

“It will help alleviate pressure on the local housing system and provide more Tasmanians with access to affordable and secure accommodation.

“The agreement will enable more people with disability to live an independent life in a home that meets their needs.”

Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz said the agreement would serve as an investment for people most in need to be close to major services and amenities.

“Assisting those in need is critical to the long term liveability of Hobart,” Senator Abetz said.

The Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust received $6 million to build the 27 new specially designed homes, with expected total completion by mid 2021.

The Hobart City Deal: Improving Social Housing Outcomes is a 10-year vision between the Australian Government, the Tasmanian Government and local councils to achieve better outcomes for people living and working in the Greater Hobart region.

Funding agreements are already in place with CatholicCare Tasmania, Community Housing Limited and Housing Choices Tasmania to deliver more than 100 affordable homes in the Greater Hobart region.

Information about the Hobart City Deal is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development’s website.