BOOST FOR HOUSING IN GOULBURN

Construction has started on a $6.9 million housing renewal project in Goulburn that will deliver 20 new social homes and support 35 jobs.

The project at Mary Street and Hume Street is one of about 50 projects being delivered under the NSW Government’s $400 million Fast Track Housing Construction Package, to help boost economic recovery from COVID-19 in local communities throughout the State.

Goulburn MP, Wendy Tuckerman, said the government’s investment was accelerating the construction of new social housing in the region.

“This housing renewal project in our region is supporting local vulnerable people who need the security and protection that goes with having a new home,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“This $6.9 million investment is also benefitting the local economy and community by prioritising local spending and providing local jobs that’ll help keep a roof over the heads of other local families and food on their tables.”

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said the $400 million fast-track package will deliver more keys to open doors for new social housing while generating greater security for the construction industry.

“We’re not just building hundreds of new homes throughout NSW to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people, we’re also creating critically important jobs to support people and businesses who need them, both in the NSW construction industry and broader economy,” Mrs Pavey said.

“This investment is also being backed by a priority initiative within the NSW Government to fast-track project approvals so that shovels are in the ground faster.”

The project will see five ageing cottages knocked down and transformed into two low-rise apartment buildings with 12 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom social homes near local schools, shops and essential services. Construction is due to be completed in mid-2022.

Under the $400 million Fast Track Housing Construction Package, $250 million will be used by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) to accelerate around 50 projects over the next two years to deliver about 580 new social homes throughout regional and metropolitan communities.