Welcome to the 2024 winter edition of Housing Matters.
Welcome to the 2024 winter edition of Housing Matters.
It’s been a busy time of the year with the NSW Government handing down the State Budget in June. CHIA NSW welcomed the establishment of the Building Homes for NSW program, which includes $5.1 billion to deliver up to 8,400 new and renewed social homes over the next four years.
While the budget was welcome news for our industry, the biggest winners are the thousands of families in need of safe, secure and affordable housing, whose lives will be transformed in the years to come. The not-for-profit community housing industry looks forward to continuing our successful partnership with the NSW Government to maximise the delivery of homes and social outcomes.
Alongside funding for planning efficiencies, maintenance upgrades and homelessness services, I’m pleased to see the extension of CHIA NSW’s Cadetship Program for another four years. Delivered in partnership with Homes NSW and our valued members, the highly successful Cadetship Program is not only a terrific example of collaboration between government and the community housing industry, but also bolsters the capability of providers to deliver better homes and services to residents and applicants by harnessing the cadets’ lived experience. More on the budget in this edition.
Outcomes from the first round of the Housing Australia Future Fund are imminent. As we await this milestone announcement, CHIA NSW congratulates Scott Langford on his recent appointment as the CEO of Housing Australia. Scott’s many years of experience in both the private sector and the not-for-profit community housing industry, most recently as CEO of SGCH, will be a great asset to Housing Australia. Scott also served as a member of the CHIA NSW Board, where he made a significant contribution to our organisational strategy and governance. Whilst Scott will be missed on our Board, we look forward to working with him in his new role.
In other news, CHIA NSW is busy planning for Community Housing 2025,which will be held in June next year. Last year’s event was a fantastic chance for over 400 industry colleagues and partners to connect, share insights, and consider future visions for the housing system. I can’t wait to once again join many of you to discuss opportunities for innovation and impact as an industry as we continue to deliver on our social and affordable housing commitments.
More in this edition, including a CHIA NSW cadetship graduate winning big at the NSW Training Awards, placemaking resources now live on the CHIA NSW website, and development updates from community housing providers across NSW.
Please enjoy this edition of Housing Matters.
Mark Degotardi
CEO, CHIA NSW
NSW State Budget wrap-up
The NSW Government released its 2024 State Budget on Tuesday 18 June.
Positioned as the housing budget, the Government announced a $5.1 billion investment over four years towards social housing supply. As part of a new $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the investment will aim to deliver 8,400 social homes. 6,200 of these will be new homes and 2,200 will be replacement homes, equating to a net increase of 1,550 homes per year. Of these new homes, 50% will be allocated to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
The Building Homes for NSW program includes funding for social housing maintenance and homelessness services. $810 million will be put towards upgrading 33,500 social homes and establishing the NSW Government’s new Maintenance Hub from 1 July 2024. $527 million will be directed towards homelessness services, enabling greater provision of crisis accommodation, Specialist Homelessness Services and the establishment of a new Homelessness Innovation Fund.
CHIA NSW’s Cadetship Program, which offers social housing tenants and people experiencing barriers to work and study the opportunity to gain a qualification and on-the-job training, also received a new four-year funding commitment.
The NSW Government also announced a $450 million Key Worker Build to Rent Program for Greater Sydney to be delivered through Landcom. The investment will enable Landcom to purchase up to four sites across the city to develop between 400 - 450 new Build-to-Rent dwellings over the next three years. The housing will be offered to essential workers at a discount to market rent through a separate subsidy program. The NSW Government will retain ownership of the housing, with a view to leverage rental income to expand the key worker housing program in future.
The state’s planning system also received a previously announced $3 billion investment to support the construction of infrastructure and housing. $555.5 million over four years has also been allocated to improve the planning system, which includes funding for extra planners and assessment staff, the NSW Building Commission, and accelerating delivery of homes in Western Sydney and the regions.
CHIA NSW welcomes the investment into supply of social and affordable housing and urges the government to partner with community housing providers to make the most of available resources.
“The community housing sector can maximise the government’s funding by layering in debt finance and other forms of capital to increase the overall investment in new housing”, said CHIA NSW CEO Mark Degotardi.
“We can get more houses on the ground more quickly by government partnering with the community housing sector.”
Save the date for Community Housing 2025
CHIA NSW is excited to share that its premier event for the not-for-profit community housing industry in NSW, Community Housing 2025, will be held on Wednesday 4 June 2025 and Thursday 5 June 2025 at the Sydney Masonic Centre.
Community Housing 2025 will showcase the latest evidence, policy debates, and best practice examples underpinning the successful delivery of social, affordable, and key worker housing by the industry and our valued partners.
Registration details and more information about speaking opportunities are coming soon.
Subscribe to the mailing list on the Community Housing 2025 website to receive email updates.
If you have any questions about Community Housing 2025, you can contact our secretariat at [email protected]
The CHIA NSW team look forward to seeing you there!
Testimonials from Community Housing 2023
“Being new to the provision of Community Housing, the conference expanded my understanding of the issues and complexity involved in the provision of social and affordable housing. I was impressed by the professionalism and knowledge of presenters.”
“Thank you to CHIA NSW and the conference organisers. It was a great conference, one of the best I have attended. Such a great sense of inclusion, support and belonging. As they would say in The Castle ‘It was the vibe’ and the vibe was great.”
NSW Government continues its planning reform agenda
Transport Oriented Accelerated Precincts
The NSW Government has released plans for seven high density precincts that are being rezoned as part of its Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program. These precincts form a major component of the NSW Government’s plans to increase the supply of housing close to transport and jobs. Collectively, the rezoning of these precincts will create capacity for up to 47,800 new homes to be delivered over 15 years.
Importantly, each precinct will include a mandatory affordable housing requirement of between 3% and 15%, depending on location. Affordable housing will be required to be secured in perpetuity and managed by a community housing provider. It is estimated that these precincts will deliver between 2,835 and 6,190 affordable homes over the next fifteen years.
Details of each precinct are outlined below:
| Location | Additional homes capacity | Affordable housing requirement | Potential affordable homes |
| Kellyville and Bella Vista | 20,700 | 3% - 8% | 620 - 1,650 |
| Hornsby | 5,000 | 5% - 10% | 250 - 500 |
| Macquarie Park | 4,600 | 10% - 15% | 460 - 690 |
| Bankstown | 12,500 | 3% - 10% | 375 - 1,250 |
| Crows Nest | 3,255 | 10% - 15% | 325 - 490 |
| Homebush | 16,100 | 5% - 10% | 805 - 1,610 |
Fast-track rezoning process for social and affordable housing
The NSW Government has announced a new rezoning process for sites being delivered by Homes NSW or Landcom. This initiative will see a dedicated team established within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to process rezoning proposals from these government agencies. This initiative aims to halve the time assessment timeframes.
Unfortunately, the new pathway will not be directly open to CHPs. However, there is scope for CHPs to benefit where they are working jointly with Homes NSW or Landcom.
While the establishment of a dedicated rezoning team could help speed up the planning of new housing precincts, most sites for which Homes NSW or Landcom would be seeking a rezoning would likely already be assessed through the DPHI. How much of an impact this reform will have therefore remains to be seen.
More information is available here.
New housing targets for NSW councils
To coincide with the commencement of the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government has released updated 5-year housing completions targets for councils across Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Central Coast, Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle. The targets outline where the NSW Government expects the 377,000 homes committed to under the Accord will be delivered. While the targets represent an increase for many councils, they are largely based on development already in the pipeline, plus new supply unlocked through recent planning reforms, including the TOD Program. Western Sydney continues to be the focus of much of the new housing supply.
To assist with the delivery of the targets, the NSW Government also announced new financial incentives for local councils through the Faster Local Assessment incentive program. This $200 million program will provide grants to local councils that meet their housing targets, which can be used to fund park, sporting facilities and public space upgrades.
Disappointingly, the new targets are for overall housing supply only. No specific targets for social or affordable housing delivery are provided. The NSW Government will soon be updating longer-term housing targets, which local councils will need to plan for through their long-term housing strategies. CHIA NSW will continue to advocate for dedicated social and affordable housing targets to be developed as part of this work, to ensure that strategic planning by councils and the NSW Government actively addresses the chronic undersupply of safe, secure and affordable homes for lower income households.
Further information on the five-year housing targets, including a breakdown by council area, is available here.
Developers and CHPs connect at affordable housing briefing and networking event
CHIA NSW recently partnered with the Urban Development Institute of Australia to deliver a successful networking event for CHPs and private developers.
Hosted by Clayton Utz, the event held on 3 July 2024 was attended by more than 90 industry representatives. It provided an opportunity for developers to learn about recent planning reforms and opportunities for working with community housing providers.
The event included presentations from:
- Chris Ferreira, Head of Planning, Urban Property Group – who presented on their recently completed Navali mixed-tenure development in Penrith, delivered in partnership with Link Wentworth.
- Lisa Sorrentino – Head of Development, City West Housing – who discussed design and operational issues associated with affordable housing.
These presentations were followed by an expert panel discussion with Lisa Sorrentino, Chris Dib (Executive Director Homes, Bridge Housing) and Cameron Jackson (General Manager, Development, Frasers Property Australia). Attendees also had an opportunity to network directly with CHPs at a series of exhibition stands.
CHIA NSW thanks all members who attended. We would also like to extent our thanks to UDIA NSW, for partnering with us on this event.
CHIA NSW celebrates National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week
National Reconciliation Week at CHIA NSW
CHIA NSW staff came together in May 2024 to commemorate National Reconciliation Week.
This year’s theme, Now More Than Ever, was a call to action, reminding us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues.
To mark the week, staff gathered both in person and online to watch the stirring documentary, The Last Daughter, finishing with a post-viewing discussion about Reconciliation.
The documentary tells the story of Brenda, who was wrongfully removed from her family as a young child in the early 1970s and placed with a white family that believed they were legitimately fostering her. Decades after being reunited with her parents and siblings, Brenda goes on a journey to reconcile her past and bridge the gap between the two sides of her family and culture.
A story about truth, healing and acceptance, The Last Daughter’s themes were a poignant reminder that respect, and connection are key in CHIA NSW’s ongoing commitments to listen, learn and heal as individuals, organisations and as a nation.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be celebrated by the Australian community.
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme was Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud.
CHIA NSW commemorated NAIDOC Week by attending the City of Sydney’s NAIDOC in the City event on Wednesday 10 July.
A celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and enterprise, NAIDOC in the City’s day program at Sydney Town Hall included a smoking ceremony and dances.
Amongst enjoying the cultural and artistic displays at the event, staff took the time to reflect on CHIA NSW’s ongoing commitment to Reconciliation.
CHIA NSW launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in February this year. You can learn more about our RAP here.
New CEOs for Bridge Housing and Women's Housing Company
Community housing providers Bridge Housing and Women’s Housing Company are both welcoming new Chief Executive Officers to their organisations this month.
Laurie Leigh commenced at Bridge Housing on Monday 5 August 2024 and brings a wealth of leadership expertise from multiple for-purpose sectors to the organisation.
Nada Nasser will be joining Women’s Housing Company on Monday 19 August 2024. She has extensive experience leading social services and programs in government and not-for-profit organisations.
The community housing industry will be enriched by Laurie and Nada’s invaluable perspectives. CHIA NSW looks forward to working with Laurie and Nada to strengthen and grow the capability and capacity of the industry in NSW.
Click on the links to read the full announcements by Bridge Housing and Women’s Housing Company.
Scott Langford appointed Housing Australia CEO
Scott Langford, Group CEO of SGCH (St George Community Housing) has been appointed as Housing Australia’s new CEO.
After serving as SGCH Group CEO for eight and a half years, Scott’s new role will see Housing Australia benefit from his two decades of experience in the community housing and private sectors.
On joining Housing Australia, Scott said, “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead Housing Australia as it steps up its roles of supporting pathways to home ownership and to providing investment flows to increase the supply of social and affordable housing”.
Reflecting on his time with SGCH, he emphasised his appreciation for the team’s dedication and expertise.
“I am immensely proud of the SGCH team. Seeing the impact of our work has been a great motivator for me every day. I have complete confidence that, together with our partners, the team will continue to deliver for the customers and communities we serve.”
SGCH’s Group Chief Financial Officer Joe Achmar will serve as Acting Group CEO while SGCH undertakes a recruitment process to appoint a new CEO.
Scott’s appointment also sees him step down from CHIA NSW’s Board. CHIA NSW thanks Scott for his valuable contributions and looks forward to working with him in his new capacity at Housing Australia.
Placemaking resources available on CHIA NSW website
CHIA NSW, in partnership with the UK’s HQN Network and Community Development Australia, have conducted research and developed case studies illustrating placemaking best practice to assist community housing providers in NSW and beyond with improving their services, tenant engagement and satisfaction.
Drawing on insights and strategies from successful global models, the ‘Placemaking: Improving service, engagement and satisfaction in estate communities’ project seeks to implement best practices in community engagement, ensuring that the solutions developed are responsive to residents’ specific needs and aspirations in priority estates.
To mark the launch of the project, a Placemaking Exchange online event was held which saw over 150 people from across the globe attend. The Exchange shared some of the project’s findings and included presentations of a handful of the case studies from the project.
You can view the Placemaking resources, as well as snippets from the event, on CHIA NSW’s website.
CHIA NSW cadet wins vocational award at 2024 NSW Training Awards
A huge congratulations to Kesalini Tongia, a 2023 CHIA NSW Cadetship Program graduate, who has taken out the 2024 North Coast Vocational Student of the Year award at this year’s NSW Training Awards (North Coast & Mid North Coast Region).
The Cadetship Program, a partnership between CHIA NSW and Homes NSW, has proven to be a hugely successful initiative, with completion rates and employment outcomes far exceeding the state average.
The NSW Government announced an extension of funding for the Cadetship Program as part of its 2024 Budget, ensuring the program’s continuation for at least another four years.
The cadetship recruitment process for 2025 is due to commence in the coming months.
UNSW City Futures Research Centre awarded grant to develop Housing Analytics Lab
The City Futures Research Centre at UNSW has been awarded a $1 million grant by the office of the NSW Chief Scientist to lead the development of a hybrid/digital data analytics facility known as the Housing Analytics Lab (HAL), which will provide policymakers with data-driven insights to support housing solutions.
The HAL will host digital tools including:
- A database with a map dashboard of all historic and live planning approvals across NSW and Australia.
- An AI classifier of planning assessments to understand spatial clusters of current and future housing development activity.
- A virtual Housing Assistant powered by generative AI and trained on existing housing literature to answer questions such as ‘What are the policy options for delivering affordable housing in different contexts?’
CHIA NSW is proud to be working in partnership with academics, government, industry and not-for-profits to help establish the facility.
Read more about the Housing Analytics Lab from UNSW here.
Report: Unlocking the supply of social and affordable housing at scale
Right Lane Consulting has produced a report, Housing Matters: Unlocking the supply of social and affordable housing at scale, which looks at the nature of the housing market in Australia and outlines the opportunities for investing and growing the supply of social and affordable housing to address the rental crisis.
The report explores partnerships and institutional investment, government funding, affordable housing models and the build-to-rent asset class.
Use the form on Right Lane Consulting’s website to access the report.
For more information about the report, you can contact Right Lane Consulting’s Gemma Pinnell.
CHPs nominated for UDIA NSW & Urban Property Group Development Awards for Excellence
Congratulations to Evolve Housing and Pacific Link Housing who were both finalists at the UDIA NSW and Urban Property Group Awards for Excellence 2024.
The awards highlight innovative and sustainable design and celebrate industry leadership and excellence in urban development across NSW and the ACT.
Evolve Housing’s Lidcombe Rise in Lidcombe and Pacific Link Housing’s Fernleigh Apartments in Belmont were both in the running for the Affordable Housing award, but were pipped at the post by Homes NSW’s 2 Macpherson Street which was announced as the winner at the UDIA NSW & Urban Property group Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on Friday 26 July 2024.
To view the full list of winners from the night, head here.
Zavanti Housing software online demonstration event
For community housing providers interested in updating their tenancy or property management software, Zavanti is hosting a one-hour online demonstration of their Zavanti for Social and Affordable Housing software on Thursday 15 August 2024 at 10am AEST.
To find out more and register, please visit this link.
Argyle Housing transforms Griffith park into community focal point
Content supplied by Argyle Housing
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and creativity, the Dave Taylor Park in Griffin Green, Griffith has been given new life. The transformation was significantly marked by the revitalisation of the basketball court, an effort led by renowned mural artist, Karissa Undy and the public art organisation, Blank Walls. This project was part of a larger initiative funded by a grant won by Argyle Housing, aimed at renewing the park with a variety of new facilities and features to benefit the community.
City West Housing celebrates 30 years as an affordable housing developer and provider
Content supplied by City West Housing
City West Housing celebrated its 30th birthday in June.
Set up by the NSW Government in 1994, its original purpose was to develop and operate affordable housing for very low to moderate income households in the Pyrmont Ultimo area of Sydney which was undergoing renewal at that time. 30 years later the Company owns 900 affordable rental apartments across 21 buildings in the City of Sydney and has a development pipeline of more than 700 apartments across three Local Government Areas.
Housing Trust delivering in the Illawarra
Content supplied by Housing Trust
Setting a new standard for social housing
In collaboration with Traders in Purple and Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), Housing Trust is proud to present Northsea.
This project will be one of the first in Australia to combine social, affordable, and private market housing in one single core. Located in the heart of Wollongong, Northsea is just a few hundred metres from the beach.
The development will include 18 social housing units, 9 affordable housing units, and 38 private market units, which have all been sold. Northsea will welcome its first residents in last quarter of 2024.
More affordable homes for women
Housing Trust is gearing up for another project handover, with The Bower located in Dapto.
This property will support single older women and women with children. Providing safe and secure housing close to shopping, transport, and schools, the $5.5 million project includes seven two-bedroom townhouses and two one-bedroom dwellings.
Wollongong City Council’s Affordable Housing Grant has partially funded this project.
The Housing Trust is looking forward to providing keys to residents in October 2024.
Key worker housing project in the heart of Wollongong's medical precinct
The Housing Trust has commenced work on a housing project that will deliver more affordable homes for key workers in Wollongong’s medical precinct. This development will include 27 units complete with basement level car parking for all apartments.
Twelve social housing units will be delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through the Community Housing Innovation Fund. Eight affordable units will be allocated to older women at risk of homelessness and/or to women with children impacted by FDV through a partnership with Wollongong City Council.
Seven affordable units will be held as for key workers given the proximity to the Wollongong Public and Private Hospitals.
