Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, will join the Hon Luke Howarth MP, Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services, and Bob Gordon, Chair of the Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust, at the opening of the new affordable units in Glenorchy.
“The community would be thrilled to see the first unit ready as part of the $30m social housing package I negotiated last year. The Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust has done a fabulous job fast-tracking their $6m component of the package,” Mr Wilkie said.
“The other $24m is being invested in Housing Choices Tasmania, CatholicCare Tasmania and Community Housing Limited. All up the four services provides are developing more than 130 affordable dwellings in the Greater Hobart area.
“There is a pressing need for the sort of supported accommodation we’re seeing opened today. Many hundreds of Tasmanians, in particular those with a disability or mental illness, are on waiting lists currently and this is forecast to grow into the thousands in coming years. The State Government needs to back in the Federal Government’s contribution with much greater funding for social housing from the State budget.
“I’d especially like to recognise Bob Gordon’s work. The Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust is an innovative service provider and business model, and today’s opening is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people think outside the square and governments are prepared to support them.”