Released 25/07/2017
Housing options for low to medium income earners was today made a little easier with the opening of a series of nine townhouses at north Canberra’s new suburb Lawson.
“CHC Affordable Housing’s launch today demonstrates how government and industry are working together to provide for the varying needs of different socio-demographic groups in the city, catering for many Canberran lifestyles,” Minister Gentleman said.
CHC Affordable Housing is a not for profit company with the mission to improve access to affordable housing for people on low or moderate incomes. Today’s Lawson launch of local properties included a total of nine townhouses - each with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a single lock up garage.
“Last year, in my Statement of Planning Intent, I outlined that we want neighbourhoods in our city to be more inclusive, with the provision of housing choices and community facilities that meet the needs of the entire community spectrum. I congratulate CHC Affordable Housing for achieving this milestone that strongly delivers on this aspiration,” Minister Gentleman said.
Eligible tenants will have the opportunity to rent the Lawson townhouses at around 75% of market rate. All nine townhouses will be retained by CHC Affordable Housing as part of their affordable rental portfolio.
The nine properties are also part of the government’s land rent scheme which is underpinned by the ACT Government's Affordable Housing Action Plan. The land rent scheme gives a lessee the option of renting land through a land rent lease rather than purchasing the land to build a home.
The ACT Government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan was established in 2007 and supports a number of mechanisms to ensure housing options are a reality for low income earners in Canberra.
“I am extremely pleased that this project is one that has now contributed to the supply of affordable housing rental in Canberra.
“I would like to commend all parties involved in bringing together this fantastic example of affordable housing for Canberra families. Diverse housing types remain important for areas in close proximity to high amenity. This is a demonstration of an ideal precinct that caters for those who need it most and I hope to see more of this property type across Canberra,” concluded Minister Gentleman.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases