The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) has welcomed the Albanese Government's announcement of housing initiatives, particularly the commitment that the new 100,000 homes program will also unlock additional social and affordable rental housing supply alongside first home buyer properties.
CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said the community housing sector is eager to partner with governments to maximise social and affordable housing outcomes in these developments.
"Investing $10 billion to build 100,000 homes for first home buyers will increase supply, which is absolutely critical to tackling affordability," Hayhurst said."We are particularly encouraged by the government's explicit commitment that these first home buyer developments will unlock additional housing supply, including much-needed social and affordable rental homes. This is a critical aspect of the policy that will help address housing needs across the spectrum.
"The community housing sector is standing by to partner with all levels of government to maximise the social and affordable housing outcomes in these projects. Our members bring expertise in developing and managing quality affordable housing that creates inclusive, diverse communities."
Leveraging government land - including council land - to increase social housing supply alongside homes for first-time buyers is especially important.
"Where government land is used for these developments, there is a genuine opportunity to unlock more social rental housing too, creating integrated communities that benefit everyone. Our members are primed and ready to work with all levels of government to identify ways to maximize the social and affordable housing component in these developments."
CHIA also acknowledged the government's broader $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan, which includes the delivery of 55,000 social and affordable homes, with 28,000 already underway.
"We appreciate the government's recognition that solving the housing crisis demands both immediate support for renters and first home buyers, as well as a fit-for-purpose national housing and homelessness plan that commits to long-term investment in expanding housing supply across all segments of the market.
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Contact: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032