Tenants have moved into their new homes at the recently completed social and affordable housing complex in Adamstown.
The 50-unit Brunker Road complex, completed at the end of September, comprises 13 one-bedroom units and 37 two-bedroom units.
The new complex is one of 19 housing projects delivered by Compass Housing Group under the NSW Government’s $1.1B Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF), and tenants have come from existing social and affordable housing waiting lists.
The units are a mix of social housing and affordable housing.
Social housing is for low-income people who are unable to secure appropriate housing in the private market. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. In social housing properties managed by not-for-profit community housing providers like Compass, rents are capped at 25 per cent of tenants’ assessable income, plus any rent assistance they are eligible to receive from the Federal Government.
Affordable housing is a form of rental accommodation somewhere between the social housing system and the private rental market. Rents are capped at 75 per cent of the market rate. Eligibility criteria for affordable housing are determined by the NSW Affordable Housing Ministerial Guidelines.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the new complex, which is close to shops and public transport, would reduce housing stress and connect residents with needed services and support.
“The Adamstown complex not only provides a range of accommodation options for vulnerable people, but links them to vital services to improve their health and general wellbeing,” Henskens said.
Compass Housing Group Chief Corporate Services Officer Lyndall Robertshaw said the Adamstown complex marked the completion of 493 dwellings delivered across the Hunter and Central Coast.
“This is the single largest social and affordable housing project seen in the two regions – we’ve delivered it in just over two years, despite the challenges of a COVID pandemic,” Robertshaw said.
“Compass will not only manage the tenancies but also provide access to tailored, wrap-around support services to help ensure people can make the most of their new homes and achieve their goals.
“Projects like this one show what is possible when governments leverage the know-how and capacity of the community housing sector and private sector.”
Robertshaw said the SAHF program was a big win for local economies and communities, helping create local jobs for tradies and other professions.
The local builder for the Adamstown complex was Graph Building.
“The dwellings delivered by Compass through the SAHF have provided a strong pipeline of new homes in the Hunter, creating jobs for local tradies,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said.
People apply for social housing and rent subsidies through the NSW Government’s Housing Contact Centre either online or by calling 1800 422 322.
Hayley McMahon
Is this SDA apartments where I could have my own support workers