Housing Plan Fails Poor

NSW Government Housing Plan Fails Working Poor

The NSW government has no plan to provide affordable housing for low and moderate income workers, according to Greens MP and housing spokesperson, Sylvia Hale.

Commenting on the announcement by the Premier of the redevelopment of inner western suburbs public housing estates and the leasing of high value public-housing to the private sector Ms Hale said:

“The announcement contains only a small number of additional houses which are to be targetted to the elderly, people with a mental illness, people with a disability and the young homeless.”

“The additional houses for those in need is welcome, although the number of additional houses is so small it will do little to ease the extensive waiting lists for public housing.”

“What the plan announced today does not address is how those on low to moderate incomes are to be able to afford to live near the city.”

“It appears that none of the additional houses will be available to anyone who holds down a job.”

“Low income earners have been abandoned to the private housing market by the government and soaring interest rates and rents are forcing them to Sydney’s fringes or out of the city altogether,” said Ms Hale.

“The government should have adopted the Greens policy of allowing Councils to require a minimum of 10% affordable housing in all new multi-unit housing developments. This would provide subsidised housing to low and moderate income workers.”

“It’s a model that works very effectively overseas.”

“The government is instead funding its housing program by leasing out public housing in sought after areas to private tenants. The historic houses in Millers Point will be practically sold via a series of 99-year leases.”

“Inner west housing estates are to be ‘redeveloped’ which under this government usually includes a part-privatisation of government-owned land, as is occurring at Bonnyrigg. This was also the plan for the failed attempt to redevelop the Erskineville estate announced before the last state election, which tenants managed to stop.”

“Department of Housing tenants in the sites to be redeveloped can look forward to a period of disruption and uncertainty, if the Department’s track record is any guide.”

“They must be given guarantees by the government that they will be rehoused in the inner west if they wish to remain in the area.”