Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

18 new affordable homes for seniors in Springwood

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Bob Debus MP, Member for Macquarie

Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek and Member for Macquarie Bob Debus today inspected the site of UnitingCare’s 18-unit development at Springwood that will provide affordable rental homes for seniors.

The new apartments will be built by UnitingCare Ageing under Round Two of the Rudd Government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme.

Ms Plibersek said the units would be rented at 25 per cent below market rate to people who meet the eligibility requirements.

‘The lower rental costs make these new units ideal for seniors who can struggle to pay market rates if they are on the Aged Pension.

‘All the new units will incorporate universal design standards, making them fully accessible and ideally suited for seniors, as well as people with disability.

‘They will also feature modern sustainability features, including water efficient fixtures, energy efficient lighting, and potential for solar hot water heating and use of organic paints and adhesives,’ Ms Plibersek said.

Mr Debus congratulated UnitingCare for working with the Rudd Government to provide the new affordable rental homes for seniors in Springwood.

‘These new units will be ideally located in the High Street of Springwood village – close to shops, health centres and the train station.

‘The construction work will support jobs for local builders, tradespeople and their suppliers,’ Mr Debus said.

Director of UnitingCare Ageing Gillian McFee said that the organisation was thrilled to be able to offer older Australians struggling to find housing an affordable rental option.

‘These units will give people the chance to stay in the community they love and call home, while lessening the financial pressures they face by providing affordable housing.’

‘UnitingCare Ageing is committed to assisting vulnerable older people.  By offering rent at below market rates we are able to help our tenants to achieve a better quality of life – a life with dignity and independence,’ Ms Mc Fee said.

The Rudd Government is investing more than $1 billion in the National Rental Affordability Scheme over the next four years.

The Scheme is one part of the Government’s program to deliver more than 80,000 new affordable homes across Australia by 2012.