Minister Barr: More affordable rental homes for Canberrans
- Written by ACT Government
Released 06/02/2024 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is continuing to invest in more affordable homes and housing options for Canberrans, including the delivery of more affordable rental properties.
Supported by the Government’s $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund, CHC Australia and the Canberra Southern Cross Club will construct 70 affordable rental homes as part of a new 140-unit Build‑to‑Rent development in Phillip.
Construction will commence this year and is expected to be completed in 2026, ready for families to move in.
The Government established the Affordable Housing Project Fund last year to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.
Since it was launched, the Fund has agreed to offer financial support for six projects, with potential to deliver about 280 new affordable rentals for Canberrans.
Community housing providers and developers are encouraged to submit proposals to access the fund at any time, with more information in the government’s Affordable Rental Prospectus.
Build-to-Rent, which is aimed at providing affordable housing to long-term renters, is an important part of the Government’s ACT Housing Strategy to improve rental supply and affordability.
The Government will announce further community housing partnerships soon for Build-to-Rent projects.
This year’s Budget Review will also progress the proposed MyHome project in Curtin, with $500,000 committed for planning and design work.
MyHome is designed to provide long-term supported residential accommodation and care for 15 people with an enduring mental illness. The project, which would be built on Uniting Church land, will be led by Wesley Mission working with MyHome in Canberra, a local community organisation, and Woden Valley Uniting Church.
These initiatives progress commitments of the Parliamentary Agreement of the 10th Legislative Assembly by the ACT Labor-Greens Government.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“Housing continues to be an ACT Government priority as we increase housing access, choice and affordability.
“We are using every lever we can across Government to accelerate more projects that will support more affordable homes.
“The initiatives announced today will help ensure we have the right mix of housing options to meet the needs of our growing city, which is on track to reach 500,000 people by 2027.
“We look forward to working with community housing providers and landholders, including CHC Australia and the Southern Cross Club Canberra, to develop Build-to-Rent projects with an affordable rental component, as part of our $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry:
“The ACT Government is committed to increasing the supply of housing options for all Canberrans.
“It’s exciting to see more projects getting off the ground with the support of our Affordable Housing Project Fund.
“Every Canberran should have a fair chance at finding a place to call home, whether they’re a homeowner or tenant.”
Quotes attributable to CHC Australia CEO Andrew Hannan:
“With a dire shortage of rental accommodation that is affordable for lower income earners such as essential workers, CHC is delighted that the ACT Government is supporting community housing providers to grow affordable rental supply.
“Together with our valued partner, the Canberra Southern Cross Club, we cannot wait to turn soil on our new mixed-tenure market and affordable Build-to-Rent development in Phillip that will deliver 70 affordable rental units for the community.”
Quotes attributable to Canberra Southern Cross Club President John Lewis:
“This Build-to-Rent development, directly adjacent to our Stellar Canberra health and wellness centre, is another part of our Club’s diversification program and is vital to our long-term sustainability.
“We are pleased to partner with Community Housing Canberra and thank the ACT Government for its support of the project.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
