Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

First National Rental Affordability Scheme Homes Open in Canberra

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jon Stanhope MLA, ACT Chief Minister

Tanya Plibersek, and ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, today officially opened the first new homes in Canberra delivered under the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

The National Rental Affordability Scheme will help build up to 50,000 new properties across Australia by 2012, which will then be rented out at a minimum 20 per cent below market rate.

The eight new homes at Holt are some of the 56 new affordable rental properties that CHC Affordable Housing is building under round one of the Scheme. Tenants are paying 25 per cent below market rates for the one and two bedroom units.

All tenants are low to moderate income earners, including a small business owner, a student, and a young couple saving for their own home.

Ms Plibersek also announced that CHC Affordable Housing had been successful in winning incentives to build another 89 affordable homes under round two of NRAS.

“The Government is investing more than $1 billion in the National Rental Affordability Scheme over the next four years to support 50,000 new affordable rental homes across Australia by 2012,” Ms Plibersek said.

“This new construction work also generates jobs by providing work for builders and tradespeople – as each dwelling needs to be newly constructed to qualify for the Government incentives.

“The new homes built by CHC will have a minimum five-star energy rating, and one also uses universal design principles suitable for people with disability.

“The Government is keen to see low to moderate income workers such as those in childcare, retail and hospitality able to afford to live in areas where their skills are needed.”

Mr Stanhope said approval has already been given for more homes in Forde, Kaleen and Pearce, and most of these will be ready for rent in early 2010.

“I am delighted with Ms Plibersek’s announcement today that means CHC will be building a total of 145 affordable homes under the first two rounds of the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

“As well as creating more affordable rental homes, this is another great example of the ACT and Australian Governments working together to create jobs in the local construction industry during tough economic times.”