Financial assistance to developers of affordable housing projects has been introduced by Council in the form of two new rebates.
The first rebate targets the waiving of Section 64 (water & sewer connectivity) charges currently applicable to secondary dwellings (granny flats) on a property. Typically, the construction of a 'granny flat' could attract Section 64 contributions of approximately $8,000.
Griffith City Council's General Manager, Mr Brett Stonestreet said "Through the implementation of this rebate, it becomes more affordable for developers and home owners to construct a secondary dwelling on their existing property,"
"Council's recently adopted Housing Strategy highlights the development of secondary dwellings (granny flats) as a form of affordable housing, and by eliminating this charge, it becomes a fantastic and achievable way for the Griffith community to help meet the demand for affordable housing," he added.
Mr Stonestreet explained Council will be offering the Section 64 rebate to secondary dwellings effective from 1 July 2017 to capture any secondary dwellings which had been constructed from 2017 to present.
Council will also be implementing rebates on Section 7.11 and 7.12 contributions for developers who demonstrate their development proposal addresses the affordable housing issue identified in the Griffith Housing Strategy.
Currently, Section 7.12 contributions require payment of 1% of the construction cost of a development, however, the new rebate will be now available for affordable housing projects which comply with the NSW Affordable Housing Ministerial Guidelines 2019-20 (or subsequent published document).
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said both rebates were a fantastic step towards increasing housing stock in Griffith.
"By introducing these rebates, in addition to the recent gifting of land to Argyle Community Housing, Council is encouraging the development of affordable housing which will go a long way to addressing the housing crisis we are currently facing as a community," said Councillor Dal Broi.
If you have any questions, please contact Council's Economic Development or Sustainable Development team on 6962 8100.
