NSW Government Adds Six Affordable Homes in Maroubra for Women and Children
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has brought six additional affordable homes into service in Maroubra, Sydney, providing housing for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
The project involved the purchase and refurbishment of an existing apartment building dating back to the 1970s. The Minns Labor Government partnered with the Women’s Housing Company, Woollahra Council and Waverley Council to acquire and upgrade the property.
The refurbishment included complete kitchen upgrades, replacement windows and general fire safety improvements. New residents are expected to move into the apartments shortly.
Under the affordable housing arrangement, rents will be capped at 30% of household income. This is intended to help residents remain close to their existing communities, workplaces and support networks while rebuilding their lives.
Existing Properties Used to Expand Affordable Housing
The project follows an approach of acquiring and upgrading existing properties to bring affordable housing into use sooner, rather than relying exclusively on new construction.
Funding contributions from Homes NSW, Woollahra Council and Waverley Council supported the initiative. Woollahra Council contributed $1.974 million towards the project.
The partnership also builds on an existing relationship between Woollahra Council and the Women’s Housing Company. Over seven years, their programme has provided 12 local homes and supported 53 women and children in maintaining connections with their communities.
NSW’s minister of housing and homelessness Rose Jackson stated that the initiative showed how some existing buildings can be converted into affordable housing without waiting to build new ones.
Minister for domestic and family violence Jodie Harrison highlighted the necessity of providing safe and affordable premises for females escaping dangerous domestic situations.
Part of a Wider NSW Housing Programme
The six apartments add to the Minns Labor Government’s broader commitment to deliver 8,400 new public homes and thousands of affordable homes, with half of the affordable housing allocation dedicated to women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Under the overall programme, over 5,175 new homes have already been finished. The government has allocated $6.6 billion for housing and homelessness programmes, which is said to be the largest investment in this field in the history of the state.
The Maroubra project is an example of how working together with government, local authorities and community housing organisations can help add affordable rental housing to the existing stock of residential homes.
