More homes for people in need in Port Macquarie

Housing Minister David Borger said 83 homes for people in need are now under construction in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area.

Mr Borger said the homes, worth more than $26-million, are being funded from the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan and will go a long way towards meeting the high demand for social housing in the region.

Mr Borger made the announcement today while meeting the new tenants at Cairncross Place, Port Macquarie, with local member Peter Besseling.

“These new fully adaptable homes were handed over to Community Housing Limited in December 2009 to provide high quality affordable housing for people in need,” Mr Borger said.

“The six two-bedroom villas at Cairncross Place, worth $1.72 million, were purchased through the housing supply program, which allows us to acquire homes over and above those being delivered under the Stimulus Plan.

“The homes are designed to be environmentally sustainable, with rainwater tanks servicing the six villas, all with good cross-flow ventilation.”

“Other features of these villas include ceiling insulation to help tenants live more comfortably in the warmer and cooler months and solar hot water heating.”

Mr Besseling said it was great to see so many new homes becoming available in the Port Macquarie area.

“New developments and units being managed by Community Housing providers will go a long way to ensuring Port Macquarie residents who are in need, get a roof over their heads,” he said.

“Having a place to call home means an enormous amount to everyone and I’m glad the NSW Government can provide these new homes.

Community Housing Limited (CHL), Managing Director, Steve Bevington said CHL has agreements to expand its portfolio and aims to reach 2,000 properties by the end of the year.

“Every day we have families coming to us who can’t afford to rent in the private market,” Mr Bevington said.

“In many instances they are individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence, have disabilities, are elderly or are financially disadvantaged.

“These are ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances and they deserve a place to call home.”

CHL provides homes between 60-75% of the market rent allowing them to have the disposal income to meet day to day costs.

One of the new tenants, Dough Budge, said getting his home was like a dream come true.

“We were on the housing waiting list for many years and my wife and I were pleasantly surprised to see the quality of housing provided by a community housing organization,” Mr Budge said.

“Prior to moving into this house we could not afford to enjoy simple things because half our pension money would go into paying rent.

“But moving into this house has meant that not only do we have enough money left over to pay other bills but also to lead a normal life.”

Federal , Tanya Plibersek said the Rudd Government is investing $1.9 billion as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan to deliver around 6,000 social housing homes in NSW.

“The Rudd Government is taking practical steps through its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan to cushion the impact of the global recession by supporting jobs in the construction sector,” Ms Plibersek said.

“There is the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”