Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

More affordable housing for seniors in Ryde

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Maxine McKew MP, Member for Bennelong

Tanya Plibersek, and Member for Bennelong, Maxine McKew, today inspected a new social housing project which is delivering 17 new affordable homes for seniors and people with disability in the Sydney suburb of Ryde.

Tradelink Construction is building 17 one and two-bedroom units in Warren Street under the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

“These units offer older residents and people with a disability from our area a quality lifestyle with dignity,” said Ms McKew.

“They are designed to conform to standards required by seniors and people with disability, incorporating accessibility designs such as grab rails, wide doors and corridors, hob-less and detachable hand held shower and accessible kitchens.

“The new homes also have energy efficient lighting, instantaneous gas hot water system, water tanks, and sound proofing.”

Ms Plibersek said the Rudd Government’s investment in social housing is building over 19,300 new homes, repairing more than 70,000 homes and supporting 15,000 jobs around Australia.

“At least one-third of the nation’s 19,300 social housing homes will go to those who are over the age of 55 or people with disability,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The $5.6 billion social housing initiative is the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.

“This new investment is one part of the Rudd Government’s program to deliver 80,000 new affordable homes across Australia by 2012.

“The Stimulus has achieved great value for money with an average unit cost across the nation of $270,000 – well below the $300,000 in the program guidelines.

“Additionally, there is also the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”

Ms McKew said new affordable homes for seniors were greatly needed in Ryde.

“Our need for more affordable housing for older Australians is acute, and it’s great news that six of the seven projects in Ryde will provide social housing for seniors,” Ms McKew said.

“As well as creating 17 new affordable homes for seniors and people with disability, 72 jobs have been maintained over the duration of the project.”