The ACT has today marked a significant milestone in its commitment to tackling housing affordability and homelessness, with the delivery of the first 17 homes under the Commonwealth-funded Social Housing Accelerator Program (SHAP).
The newly completed properties are the first of more than 55 properties to be delivered via $50 million in funding secured from the program, with the completion of many more imminent.
These 17 social housing homes have been completed 6 months ahead of schedule and will be tenanted over the coming weeks.
Minister for Homes and New Suburbs Yvette Berry said the delivery of these homes would provide safe, secure housing for Canberrans who need it.
"These 17 homes are more than just buildings – they are the foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity for individuals and families who need it most," Minister Berry said.
"The Social Housing Accelerator Program is another example of how governments can work together to fast-track housing solutions in our community."
The property includes 13 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom single-level townhouses. All 17 homes are designed to Class C Adaptable standards.
Located in the ever-growing Molonglo Valley, the new homes have a single garage, and are close to public transport, medical centres, local shopping centres, schools, parkland and the Molonglo River.
Quotes attributable to the Hon. Clare O'Neil, Federal Minister for Housing, Homelessness & Cities:
"Every one of these 17 homes represents a life changed with a safe, secure and affordable home, and I'm proud of the partnership between the Commonwealth and ACT Government that has worked to deliver them 6 months ahead of schedule.
"These 17 homes are some of the 55,000 social and affordable homes that the Albanese Labor Government is looking to deliver over the next few years. This will start to make up for the chronic under-supply of social homes presided over by the Coalition's decade of housing neglect.
"There's no bigger public policy challenge than housing our people. That's why the Albanese Labor Government has got the biggest, most ambitious housing plan of any Federal Government since after WW2, and it's why we're looking to build more homes across our cities, suburbs and regions - including here in the ACT."
Quotes attributable to David Smith MP, Federal Member for Bean:
"It's excellent to see the first Social Housing Accelerator homes ready for Canberrans who need them most – delivered 6 months ahead of schedule and built to an excellent standard.
"This partnership between the Commonwealth and ACT Government is delivering for Canberra, and I'll keep working to ensure my community gets its fair share of housing investment.
"These homes will provide a safe and secure place for residents in my community to build happy and successful lives, taking advantage of all the opportunity to that Canberra has to offer."
