NCOSS calls for social and affordable housing at Wentworth Park 

Peak social service body, the New South Wales Council of Social Service (NCOSS), supports plans to increase housing at Wentworth Park – but urges it should be inclusive of social and affordable housing.

The NSW Government has unveiled plans to redevelop Wentworth Park into community sporting grounds and support the development of 2,500 new homes.

NCOSS CEO, Cara Varian, said the development plans must include social and affordable housing to tackle the growing waitlist of people in need of housing.

“We’re pleased at the decision to redevelop the area for housing and community grounds,” Ms Varian said.

“We call on the government to ensure it reserves at least 10 percent of the potential stock for social and affordable housing, and that it remains in perpetuity rather than returning to market rate in 15 years.

“Successive governments in NSW have failed to invest in social and affordable housing, leading to a waitlist of almost 68,000 people and growing rates of homelessness and housing insecurity.

“We should not be creating enclaves for people who can afford to live close to the CBD, while forcing others to live further from family, friends, employment or education opportunities,” said Ms Varian.

Media contact: Bron Matherson, 0438 844 765