Living in the inner-city will be a little easier for some First Nations women thanks to an agreement between a community housing provider and the City of Sydney.
Bridge Housing has purchased a Glebe building with the help of more than $7.8 million from a City of Sydney levy. The community housing provider will lease the apartments for no more than 30% of the household’s income.
“We’ve got an acute housing affordability problem in the inner city and responding to this crisis is a critical issue for all levels of government,” Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor of Sydney said.
“It’s crucial that affordable and culturally safe rental options are available to Aboriginal women in central Sydney, a group we know can face additional challenges and be particularly vulnerable when it comes to securing a home.”
We’re delighted to help add more affordable homes to the city’s market mix as we strive to make more housing in the local area affordable.
</blockquote>This City of Sydney affordable housing program was set up in 2014 when land in the southern part of the city was rezoned from industrial to other employment uses. Developers in that area are required to make a financial contribution towards affordable housing.
We’ve partnered with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice to distribute the funds among community housing providers to build affordable accommodation in the local area.
“We know that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live, and we are committed to delivering more affordable housing to those in our community who need it most,” Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said.
The program is one way the City of Sydney aims to make 7.5% of local housing affordable for people earning low and moderate incomes. Under this scheme, properties are leased out at no more than 30% of the household’s gross income.
Bridge Housing will refurbish the building to ensure it’s welcoming, culturally appropriate, safe and energy efficient before new residents move into their homes.
“By purchasing this unit block in Glebe, we have been able to retain affordable homes for our local community. The upgrade works we are undertaking will improve the environmental performance and reduce costs for our residents over the longer term. Residents will also help design and create a new community garden using Indigenous designing for country principles,” Bridge Housing CEO Rebecca Pinkstone said.
Affordable housing is critical infrastructure that supports a diverse and thriving city. By working with community housing providers like Bridge Housing, local government can maximise the amount of affordable housing delivered locally. We commend the City of Sydney for their continued leadership in this area.
Published 20 February 2023, updated 23 February 2023
