The NSW Government has approved a $7 million social housing redevelopment in Goulburn to help support the local economy and vulnerable community members.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the project will deliver immediate economic benefits to the region by supporting around 35 local jobs during construction and delivering 20 new homes to help revitalise the surrounding area.
“A green light on this project is great news for the Goulburn community, with local tradies and construction businesses to benefit from a boost in jobs and income, and safe, modern new homes delivered for those who need them most,” Ms Tuckerman said.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the development would see five ageing fibro cottages on the corner of Mary and Hume Streets transformed into two low-rise apartment buildings close to local schools, shops and essential services.
“As the State continues to recover from drought, bushfire and COVID-19, social housing projects like this provide jobs and income for the local construction industry, while delivering new, fit-for-purpose homes,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The project also demonstrates the smart approach we’re taking to growing our housing portfolio, by replacing aged dwellings with new well-designed homes that support the needs of local people and reflect the vision and values of the local community.”
Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor Bob Kirk said the approval was fantastic news for local business and local residents needing long-term affordable housing in the region, and met Council’s vision to revitalise and grow residential areas near Goulburn Town Centre.
“It is pleasing to see the NSW Government investing in affordable housing projects in our region. This will not only create jobs and economic benefit, but will revitalise a prominent corner on one of the main entry roads to the City in Hume Street,“ said Mayor Kirk.
The Mary and Hume Streets development is architecturally designed to the highest standards and comprises two discrete and separate low-rise apartment buildings with a total of 12 one-bedroom units and 8 two-bedroom units.
Extensive landscaping works will also be carried out, with a magnificent 19-metre English Oak tree retained on site and used as the centerpiece in a shared open space area.
The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) will release a tender for construction in July, with construction expected to begin in October. The redevelopment is part of the NSW Government’s Future Directions for Social Housing – a plan to provide more and better social housing that blends-in with local communities.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 