Help put social and affordable housing in the Rebuilding NSW mix

We have a chance to make a big difference to the availability of social and affordable housing in NSW.

$20 billion could be made available to fund key infrastructure projects in NSW after the next state election and a boost in social and affordable housing must be included in the funding mix.

If the current Government receives a mandate at the March 2015 state election to sell 49% of the ‘poles and wires’ of the state’s urban electricity system, $20 billion of proceeds from the sale will be put into a special fund for new infrastructure projects.

Decisions about how that money will be spent are happening now and it’s important the community sector has its say.

The Government has already announced several projects that it plans to fund including roads, schools, hospitals and sports facilities but it is also seeking input from the community about where money can best be directed. You can find out more here.

NCOSS believes that there must be a substantial allocation of funds from the sale for the construction of desperately needed social and affordable housing. This is one of the key infrastructure challenges facing NSW.

If the sale happens, the Government will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to deliver a badly needed boost to social and affordable housing availability in this state. It’s up to us to make sure they don’t miss it!

NCOSS will soon be putting in a submission making the case for funding to be directed towards addressing this shortage but we need as many submissions as possible to make sure the Government knows this is a priority for the whole sector.

Submissions can be made at Rebuilding NSW and are due by 19 September. Will you add your voice too?

NCOSS’s submission will also outline the measures needed to protect electricity consumers and ensure no one is left worse off if the sale happens. The Government has said it will cut regulated electricity network prices by 1 per cent if the sale goes ahead, but a more comprehensive approach is needed to protect the interests of people struggling to make ends meet.

If it happens it will mean big changes for the people of NSW. Let’s make sure we have our say on what those changes look like.

View online: NCOSS Submission to Rebuilding NSW Discussion Paper

For further information contact:
Warren Gardiner
NCOSS Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer
warren@ncoss.org.au