Expansion of community housing may spark new housing options

“We are seeing a renaissance in social housing in NSW. It’s long overdue. At last, more federal spending and new ideas are reinvigorating housing in this state,” said Ms Hale.

“This means we are moving towards a more varied, UK-style social housing system.”

“We’ll have a more diverse range of locally-based housing organisations and, eventually, a more diverse range of tenants.

“Community housing providers are ready for the next level. They have demonstrated their potential – all they have been waiting for is the government-backing to underwrite the borrowings they need in order to expand.

“With appropriate regulations in place, not only will public money be safeguarded, but the sector will be able to grow, acquire more housing, and house more people.

“The Greens believe community housing can offer local responsiveness and greater empowerment of tenants via tenant involvement in the boards of management.

“We want to see tenant-managed housing co-operatives flourish, as happens in Europe, where tenants manage their own housing entirely. 

“The Government must now turn its mind to assisting resident-run residential parks for people who have retired and are living in manufactured homes or caravans. Many of these residential parks are now under threat. We need new options for retirees so they too can enjoy affordable housing in a healthy environment.

 “I congratulate the Minister and wish the community housing organisations all the best in their new expanded role” concluded Ms Hale.

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