Looking back on the first quarter for 2010, I can say with confidence that Housing NSW has made good progress with Stimulus construction – but there is still a lot more to do.

I’m pleased to say that 75 percent of homes under Stage 1 are now complete, which means that over 600 homes have already been delivered across New South Wales for people that cannot afford to rent in the private rental market and in urgent need of social housing.

Close to 90 percent of homes under Stages 1 and 2 of the program have begun construction, the majority of these homes will be rolled out by Housing NSW before the end of the year.
 

Homes being constructed under the Economic Stimulus Plan represent a new generation of social housing infrastructure. Most properties come with a six star environmental rating as well as water harvesting features. Many also have solar water heating systems and adaptable design for tenants who meet certain criteria such as seniors or those with a disability.
 

By introducing these features into social housing, we not only work to address the ongoing need for housing in New South Wales but also provide a model for cost effective, environmentally sustainable housing to the private sector.
 

We have also started handing over Stimulus properties to community housing providers. In the near future,  thanks to the Community Housing Bill, Housing NSW will be able to transfer ownership (title) of nearly $2 billion worth of Stimulus Plan funded social housing to not-for-profit housing providers over the next two years.
 

The Bill will also provide long-term viability to community housing providers by giving them the collateral to help them secure finance to develop or acquire new housing and expand their housing services in the future.
 

There is still some conjecture in the media about our planning regulations. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our planning ethos from the last newsletter – and that is that in relation to all projects which it approves or which it sends to the Nation Building Task Force for the planning approval:

• Housing NSW consults with local Councils and with local residents
• All are architecturally designed to blend with local communities
• All have to meet Housing NSW guidelines for social housing design
• All have to meet Australian Government requirements for environmentally sustainable dwellings
• All comply with the Building Code of Australia.

There is still a great deal that needs to be done as we head towards our target of completing around 4000 homes by December 2010. But with the progress we have made to date I believe we are on track to deliver on the targets set by the Australian Government.
 

The challenge remains huge and I am grateful for the continued focus with everyone involved in delivery of NBESP across the social housing sector – however we cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball for one moment.
 

David Borger
Minister for Housing

Stage 1

Goal: To deliver 858 new homes through 119 projects by June 2010

Currently (as at 3 May 2010):

• 858 dwellings have started construction
• 689 dwellings are complete (104 projects)
• All relocations complete.

As at end March 2010, $205 million spent.

Stage 2 update

Goal: To deliver 3656 homes by December 2010 and a further 1432 homes by June 2012. A further 354 homes will be delivered by the NSW Government by June 2012

Currently (as at 3 May 2010):

• 5330 dwellings have now gone through the design process
• 5459 dwellings have planning notification submitted
• 5299 dwellings have received planning approval
• 4760 dwellings have had contracts awarded
• 5018 dwellings are under construction
• 34 dwellings are complete
• All relocations complete.

As at end March 2010, $413 million spent.

Maintenance

For the 2008/2009 financial year, $65.2 million was spent on maintenance for 19,248 properties.

For the 2009/2010 financial year (as at the end of December 2009), $35.2 million has been spent on maintenance for 5973 properties.

To further consolidate recent signs of economic recovery, the NSW Government will investigate expanding laws that delivered the most successful Stimulus package in the nation.

“There are many benefits and lessons to be learned from the delivery of the Stimulus,” Premier Kristina Keneally said.

“It is proving to be an overwhelming success and NSW leads the nation in its delivery.”
 

Ms Keneally has appointed a panel of experts to investigate expanding the laws, to be lead by Dr Neil Shepherd.
 

Dr Shepherd is currently a member of the NSW Governments Planning Assessment Commission and a former Director-General of the Environment Protection Authority.
 

Dr Shepherd will be joined on the panel by leading economist Dr Peter Abelsen.
 

“I would like to evaluate the benefits of applying the principles of this legislation to other significant infrastructure projects in NSW, such as major transport projects, significant commercial or even appropriate residential projects,” Ms Keneally said.
 

“I want NSW to continue to benefit from the jobs and investment created by our Stimulus programs.
 

The panel will report back to the Premier in July.

Housing NSW has welcomed new legislation that will revolutionise the future of public housing in this State.

The Community Housing Bill has enabled Housing NSW to transfer title of nearly $2 billion worth of Stimulus funded social housing to the not-for-profit housing providers.
 

The portfolio, which involves 90 percent of the 6000 Stimulus funded homes, includes 500 homes already being managed by community housing providers.
 

In the past, Housing NSW has transferred properties to the community housing sector on a lease arrangement. The new legislation has allowed for a complete transfer of ownership of properties.
 

This has been developed as a foundation for a viable not-for-profit housing sector in NSW, delivering more homes and greater housing services for people in need.
 

The Community Housing Bill will also provide an increased asset base for community housing providers that can be used to borrow against in order to secure finance from banks for investment in new housing.
 

The Bill adopts a similar policy in the UK which has seen a significant increase in social housing over the past 20 years, with more than 43 billion pounds invested in social housing by community housing providers.

Federal Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek and Member for Bennelong, Maxine McKew recently attended the handover of the 500th home to be completed under the Australian Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

With over 91 percent of all constructions now in progress, the milestone signals a new generation of housing in NSW.

The 500th home at Warren Street, Ryde is one of seventeen properties on site designed for seniors living with a range of adaptable features including grab rails, hobless shower units and adjusted door widths as well as rainwater tanks and draught proof windows.
 

"These units offer older residents and people with a disability from our area a quality lifestyle with dignity," said Ms McKew.
 

The site, built by Tradelink Construction Pty Ltd, employed over 70 tradespeople throughout the area.
 

Senior project manager, Mark Zeatier, was extremely pleased with the opportunities that building the 500th property provided.
 

“The national Stimulus has been a great opportunity for Tradelink,” he said.
 

“As a result of this project we were able to put on three new apprentices as well as keep three apprentices already working with the company.

“It’s really given us a boost and meant that we have been able to use local tradesmen who know and live in this area.”

Construction of the 5000th home to be delivered in NSW under the Australian Government’s $1.9 billion Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is well underway.

The site at Nelson Avenue, Belmore represents a push forward with social housing construction under the Stimulus Plan with over 91 percent of all constructions now in progress.

The development, designed by award winning architects Allen Jack + Cottier (AJ+C), is being built by Academy Construction and Development, who are employing eight full time tradesmen and one apprentice during construction.
 

“This has been a great opportunity for our company and has meant that we have been able to use local tradesmen who know and live in this area,” Academy Director, Ronnie Beaini, said.
 

“The Stimulus package has been a welcome relief for not just our company but for the building and associated industries in general.”

A new urban living model for seniors will see older social housing tenants enjoy modern convenience and a higher quality of living thanks to a new $12 million social housing development planned for Fairfield as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

The “Seniors Urban Living” development in Smart Street, Fairfield will be the first social housing development in NSW with a residential/retail living model design.
 

Located in the heart of Fairfield’s city centre, the units will be within easy walking distance to public transport and shops making it an ideal location for older social housing tenants.
 

The development will feature a lobby and lifts giving residents easy and secure access to their homes.
 

In addition, a common room will be situated on the ground floor, with a breakout room overlooking Fairfield on the top floor that residents can use for social activities. The development will also contain two rooms for visiting doctors, providing aged care and nursing on site.

Housing NSW has announced the completion of 13 new one and two bedroom units built under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan in Matraville, and their handover to a local community housing provider.

The new fully adaptable homes in O’Connell Street were handed over to St George Community Housing in March 2010 with local member and Police Minister Michael Daley in attendance.
 

“These modern homes replace three old brick cottages that had well and truly reached the end of their useful life with this new development more in line with current tenant needs,” John English, Commercial Program Manager of St George Community Housing said.
 

“The new units are designed to help those with mobility issues and are environmentally sustainable, with water harvesting features and rainwater tanks to feed garden and toilets.”
 

The homes, built by Degree Constructions Pty Ltd, employed a number of tradespeople and labourers from around the local area.

Eight new homes built under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan in Hinemoa and Lawler Streets, Panania were recently handed over to Affordable Community Housing, who will provide quality housing services for tenants. 

Affordable Community Housing CEO Bernie Murphy welcomed the handover and opportunities being provided to community housing providers under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
 

“Affordable Community Housing currently manages close to 2000 properties, with 550 within the Bankstown area,” he said.
 

“Every day we have families come to us who can’t afford to rent in the private market. In many instances they are individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence, have disabilities, are elderly or are financially disadvantaged.
 

“These are ordinary people facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances and they deserve a break. Having a new home means an enormous amount to them.”

Compass Housing has officially welcomed tenants into some of the first new homes to be completed under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
 
Six new villas in Fieldsend Street, East Maitland have been developed and designed specifically for senior residents and people living with a disability. 
 

New tenants James and Mary Slater, who are in their 70s and been married for 51 years, are “over the moon” with their new villa.
 

“The villa is just beautiful, really well built and easy to maintain,” Mr Slater said.
 

“We live close to our son, there is a good bus service and we are close to the station and shopping.”
 
Compass Housing is one of NSW’s largest not-for-profit, social and affordable housing providers. It serves more than 1100 clients from offices in Newcastle, East Maitland, Erina, Scone and Broken Hill.