Argyle Housing has announced it has been awarded $1.7 million to upgrade its social housing. Photo: NSW Government.
The quality and integrity of social housing in NSW has been questioned by housing not-for-profit Argyle Housing after several homes recorded unsafe winter temperatures.
According to a report released by Argyle Housing, many social housing properties in NSW recorded temperatures under 5 degrees Celsius (the lowest safe temperature under its housing threshold) on several occasions.
In a statement, Argyle Housing said it would look to address the conditions of social housing in areas such as the Riveirna, and had been successful in securing funding to do so.
“These conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly residents and families with young children, and contribute to energy poverty as tenants struggle to afford heating,” the statement reads.
“In response to this urgent need, Argyle Housing is proud to announce its successful application for the Community Housing Energy Performance (CHEP) grant, part of the NSW Government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI).
“Argyle Housing has been awarded $1.74 million to deliver energy-efficiency upgrades to 341 government-owned social housing properties across our portfolio, with 100 in the Riverina district. Argyle Housing will be contributing the balance of the total cost of these upgrades directly.
“These upgrades will be rolled out in key regions including the Wingecarribee Shire, Griffith, Yass, Young, Southwest Sydney, and the Riverina, where Argyle Housing manages a significant number of social housing tenancies.”
The improvements will include reverse-cycle air conditioning, ceiling insulation, LED lighting, window shading and solar PV systems, all designed to boost thermal comfort, reduce energy bills, and enhance tenants’ overall wellbeing.
Argyle Housing CEO Carolyn Doherty said the funding was a game-changer for people living in the organisation’s social housing.
“Cold weather should not mean choosing between warmth and financial stress,” she said.
“These upgrades will provide safer, warmer and more sustainable homes, improve health outcomes and reduce the cost of living for those who need it most.
“As a responsible community housing provider, we are committed to delivering these improvements to 341 homes, with 100 in the Riverina, ensuring our clients can live with dignity and comfort.
“The CHEP grant is part of a broader $175 million initiative jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments to upgrade approximately 24,000 social housing properties by 2027.
“Argyle Housing’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to creating resilient communities and delivering high-quality housing solutions across regional NSW.”
