An artist’s impression of the new social housing being built in East Albury, which is expected to house around 40 older residents. Photo: NSW Government.
NSW Premier Chris Minns visited Albury on Tuesday (7 October) to inspect the progress of the $12.8 million East Albury Housing project, which drew mixed reactions from the local community when it was first announced in 2022.
The project is part of the State Government’s $6.6 billion investment to address housing affordability and availability across NSW, and will include delivering 540 new public dwellings and 700 dwellings for the private market by 2032.
Albury has faced a chronic housing crisis, with prices rising by 10 per cent over the past year. The rental vacancy rate is just 1 per cent.
Between 2022 and 2032, the State Government will be working with AlburyCity’s Local Housing Strategy to deliver new and better social houses.
The first stretch involves replacing five houses on the corner of East and Alexandra streets with 24 units (14 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units), which is expected to be completed before Christmas and house about 40 older residents.
The renewal project is close to Albury Airport and the city’s train station, and is within walking distance of Albury Base Hospital.
Another 27 homes in North Albury have been granted approval, which will house another 40 residents.
The properties are planned near bus stops serving Lavington and Albury and will feature 17 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, along with 19 car parking spaces, two internal lifts, landscaping and fencing.
“Housing affordability and availability continue to be the biggest challenges facing families and young people across the entire state, no matter where they live,” Premier Minns said.
“Our government is committed to reversing this trend by investing in new supply and cutting red tape to get things built faster.
“While there’s still more work to do, it’s fantastic to see this project nearing completion, ensuring that 40 people will have safe and secure housing just in time for Christmas.”
Over the past year, the government has delivered 1711 new community housing units.
NSW Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson hoped this would help address the housing affordability crisis in regional NSW.
“We announced the start of this project in November last year and here we are today proudly standing in front of 24 brand new social housing properties which will give approximately 40 older residents a safe and secure place to call home,” she said.
“These new social housing projects in Albury are an important step forward in our work to address the shortage of affordable homes.
“Projects like this are about giving residents stability, security, and a place to call home. Our government is committed to doing just that through significant investment and real action on the ground.”
