The grant funding has helped to deliver the first Community Housing Provider-led project from the $2B Commonwealth Government Social Housing Accelerator Fund (SHAF) in NSW.
Announced in June 2023 by the Commonwealth Government, the Social Housing Accelerator Fund aims to deliver thousands of new social rental homes across Australia.
NSW’s share of the Social Housing Accelerator Fund, allocated on a per capita basis, is $610 million that is to be invested in enduring social housing, depending on local needs and resources. Funds can be used for new builds, spot purchasing, expanding programs and renovating or refurbishing uninhabitable stock.
The properties purchased by Pacific Link Housing are part of the 120 social homes the NSW Government has in its pipeline under the SHAF – Tranche 1, to be delivered by May 2026.
Pacific Link Housing Chairman Wal Edgell said the acquisitions allow Pacific Link Housing to manage the dwellings as social housing in perpetuity.
"We are proud to be the first community housing provider in NSW to access the Social Housing Accelerator Fund to deliver more social and affordable housing for our community.
The 32 residents at the East Gosford housing complex have been particularly relieved to see their homes come into Pacific Link Housing ownership, providing them with housing security for as long as they need it."
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said: “Our priority is to deliver more social and affordable housing properties across NSW, like these in East Gosford and Telarah, so we can get more people off the housing waitlist and into homes.
“In addition to providing safe and secure housing, the wrap around services are crucial to ensure we are empowering residents to lead fulfilling and independent lives within their own communities.
“Achieving better outcomes starts from having a safe place to live and we are not only delivering homes, we are giving people who need it most the best opportunity for a brighter future.”
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said: “Like many communities around the state, Central Coast locals are feeling the brunt of a lack of affordable housing availability and cost-of-living pressures every day and that’s why deals like this are so vital.
“The purchase of these 37 properties not only provides security for the residents, but it also frees up Pacific Link Housing’s financial resources to redirect funding to other properties which will help house more people on the social housing waitlist in the region.”
Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said: “The Federal Government’s $2B Social Housing Accelerator Fund will deliver crucial homes and services sooner.
“We will continue to work with State and territory governments to help expedite the delivery of more homes. I can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have within our community.”
Ian Lynch, CEO of Pacific Link Housing, said this funding assists not just in providing accommodation and stability of housing for community members but also builds the company’s capacity to do more to address the housing shortage.
“Community housing providers like Pacific Link Housing are a critical part of the local ecosystem in delivering quality social and affordable housing.
“Having a secure place to call home is important, but housing is more than just having a roof over one’s head. We also focus on creating inclusive communities and encouraging friendships, connection and support networks for our tenants.
“With these properties added to our portfolio, Pacific Link Housing can raise debt finance that will be invested in our ongoing development pipeline that is adding to additional high-quality housing supply in our community."
