Housing Group Calls for HAFF Project Unity in Caretaker Time
National peak body Faith Housing Australia is calling for urgent cooperation to ensure Round 1 Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) projects proceed to contractual close during the caretaker period.
“Projects greenlit last September and now in final approval stages shouldn’t be blocked,” says Faith Housing Australia Chair, Rob Stokes.
“We’ve heard clearly from the Coalition that their ambition is to deliver 250,000 new homes annually. Both sides of politics agree on the critical need to increase housing supply to address the housing emergency.
“There is an inevitable uncertainty with any potential change in government. Continuing with the unsigned Round 1 projects is an opportunity to ensure the uninterrupted supply of social and affordable housing regardless of the election outcome,” says Stokes.
Data supplied by Housing Australia confirms that 92 projects were unsigned when caretaker conventions were enacted.
“5,565 homes under Round 1 are currently in limbo. All the while, construction costs increase and community housing providers can’t get on with delivering secure homes to vulnerable Australians,” Stokes highlights.
For faith-based providers, 22 projects, potentially delivering 885 homes, are stalled. “Our members need funding certainty to start building. These projects will deliver new homes for flood-affected communities, people living with enduring mental illness, and families escaping violence. Any delay prolongs the wait for those with no private market options,” Stokes emphasises.