A key priority of the Hodgman Liberal Government is supporting Tasmanians in need which is why we are partnering with community sector organisations to build more affordable housing.
Today I am pleased to announce the Community Housing Stock Leverage program will result in an extra 203 new and refurbished homes for Tasmanians who need them.
That’s 203 homes that Labor and the Greens oppose being built or substantially renovated because they are against this innovative project.
We are transferring the titles of 504 properties which will allow community housing providers to borrow the money they need to build 172 new properties and refurbish an extra 31 homes that were substantially run down.
All homes will remain social housing for at least 30 years and be allocated to priority applicants on our social housing wait list.
Nothing will change for tenants in terms of their rent or tenancy conditions.
In addition to putting a roof over the head of more Tasmanians in need, the program will also inject $34 million directly into the Tasmanian economy and create 230 jobs in the construction industry, resulting in an overall economic benefit of more than $90 million.
To build these new homes would have cost taxpayers around $45 million, money that can now be spent on other essential services such as health and education.
The first agreement with Centacare Evolve Housing will result in the construction of 119 new homes and the refurbishment of 31 homes. Wilson Homes will construct the first homes this financial year, with all these homes to be delivered by mid- 2019.
A further 53 homes will be constructed by the three other community housing providers involved in the stock leverage program, with agreements finalised in the coming weeks.
The Government is making a huge investment in affordable housing for vulnerable Tasmanians - $73.5 million alone under our Affordable Housing Strategy which will deliver affordable housing options for 1600 Tasmanian households including 900 additional homes for those in need - this is only possible because we have got the Budget back in balance.
It is in sharp contrast to Labor who oppose 203 extra new or refurbished homes for Tasmanians in need, have no plan for affordable housing and left behind a $90 million maintenance bill.