10 new affordable rental dwellings for Bega

Tanya Plibersek and Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly, today visited the site where 10 new affordable rental dwellings will be built in Bega under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

Bega Eco Neighbourhood Developers’ joint application with Community Housing Ltd was approved under the first round of the NRAS, with the dwellings due for completion by June 2010.

“Through the National Rental Affordability Scheme, these 10 two-bedroom apartments will be rented out at 20 per cent below market rate,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The Government is encouraged by the ongoing strong interest in this innovative new scheme, which offers a new investment class in Australia by providing annual incentives of $8000 per home for a 10 year period.

“This is a great result for households on low to moderate incomes, including key workers, who meet the eligibility requirements to rent these affordable rental homes.”

The National Rental Affordability Scheme will help build up to 50,000 new affordable rental properties across Australia by 2012.

“By providing incentives to build new rental homes, the Australian Government is supporting jobs in the construction and building industries at a time when we need them most,” Ms Plibersek said.

Dr Kelly congratulated the Bega Eco Neighbourhood Development on their successful partnership with Community Housing Ltd.

“This is an excellent opportunity for low and middle income earners to be part of a brand new development,” Dr Kelly said.

“This development is in a great location, across the road from a school and only a short walk from the Bega town centre.

“Importantly, they are ecologically and socially sustainable homes.

“This arrangement is a great example of community-based organisations working together to improve the supply of affordable housing for low and middle income families in Bega.”