The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are building more homes in Newcastle with nine new social housing units nearing completion in Wallsend thanks to joint funding from the Commonwealth's Social Housing Accelerator Fund (SHAF) and local government.
The new nine-unit development at Curry Street is being delivered thanks to a partnership between Homes NSW and the City of Newcastle, who each agreed to jointly fund the construction of more dedicated social housing for the Wallsend community.
Work commenced in mid-2024 on the new two-storey block which has been built at a cost of $4.42 million, creating 19 jobs throughout the lifetime of its construction.
The new complex, located on the traditional lands of the Awabakal people, will feature four 1-bedroom and five 2-bedroom homes, replacing ageing homes at the site.
Close to schools, public transport, and local shops, the new units are expected to be finished by mid-May and will soon provide safe and modern homes for up to 16 new residents.
Homes NSW allocated funding for the build from the Commonwealth SHAF's vacant accelerator stream which has already restored and renovated more than 300 previously uninhabitable vacant homes.
The new homes demonstrate what's possible under the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will build 8400 new homes for public housing, deliver 21,000 new affordable and market homes and upgrade 30,000 social housing properties.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said:
"It is fantastic to see the Albanese Labor Government's Social Housing Accelerator Fund being put to such good use here in Wallsend.
"We know we need to supercharge social housing delivering and this new development is being turned around in under a year, with new homes to help reduce Newcastle's social housing waitlist.
"These new units, which have replaced ageing and not fit-for-purpose homes, are built to a high standard, and are close to local amenities such as shopping, services, and transportation."
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"We will continue to work tirelessly to expand the number of new social housing developments across the state, including finding well-located sites with vacant homes where we can deliver better for the most vulnerable people in our community.
"This successful partnership between the NSW Government and the City of Newcastle should be a signal to the sector and all levels of government that we are ready and willing to work together to confront the housing crisis.
"We will continue to deliver more and better housing across the state thanks to the Minns Labor Government's record investment in social housing and this collaborative approach."
NSW Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said:
"This is the latest incredible new development in the Wallsend area making a real difference to the lives of those most in need of safe and secure housing.
"It's a shining example of what can be achieved when we commit to innovative partnerships, and I thank City of Newcastle and the Commonwealth Government for working with us.
"The NSW Government is increasing the building of social housing properties in the Wallsend electorate, working to bring down the social housing waitlist, and I thank the Minister, Lord Mayor and Federal Member for their dedication to this cause."
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"We know that right now, some people in our community don't have a place to call home and that's why access to secure housing needs to be a priority.
"The Minns Labor Government is not just talking about housing, we're taking action to make it a reality for those who need it, because having a home is the foundation for a strong and stable life.
"I'm looking forward to seeing these new homes make a real difference in our community."
Lord Mayor for City of Newcastle, Ross Kerridge said:
"This historic partnership between City of Newcastle and the NSW Government is helping to increase the supply and range of housing to ease the stress of the most at-risk community members, while supporting investment and creating jobs.
"Social housing provides an important safety net for the community and City of Newcastle wants to ensure social housing continues to be built in the right places with good access to jobs, services, public transport and open space.
"With Newcastle's population predicted to boom in the near future this partnership is crucial to delivering better outcomes for the community."
