Media release: Two in three NSW voters back more community housing as sector launches election push

More than two in three people across NSW support increased government investment in community housing, according to new polling released today, as the not-for-profit community housing sector launches a statewide campaign calling on all political parties to tackle the state’s worsening housing crisis.

The Essential Poll revealed 67 percent of respondents support increased government investment in community housing, making it one of the public’s highest spending priorities, ahead of national security and defence (65 percent).

The Community Made campaign brings together residents, providers and experts across the state calling for urgent housing action as the latest social housing waitlist figures show nearly 70,000 households in desperate need of safe and secure housing.

CHIA NSW CEO, Luke Achterstraat said the polling shows the public understand the importance of investment in community housing.

“People know the housing crisis isn’t going away on its own,” Mr Achterstraat said.

“Across NSW, tens of thousands of local families are waiting years for a secure home.

“The encouraging news for local communities is that community housing providers are ready to scale. We have the capacity, expertise and proven track record to build high quality social and affordable rental homes, whilst ensuring they remain affordable for generations to come.

“The next few years must focus on unlocking the full capacity of the community housing sector through sustained investment and policy settings that support delivery.

“We know how to leverage government investment, partner with the private sector and institutional investors, and maximise every dollar to deliver more homes and create thriving communities.

“Community housing providers are proven partners in tackling the housing crisis. With the right investment and policy certainty, we’re ready to do much more,” Mr Achterstraat said.

CHIA NSW is calling on the next NSW Government to take urgent action on housing by:

• Investing in a $26 billion Community Housing Enabling Fund to deliver 50,000 community homes by 2050
• Creating a $4 billion Better Social Homes Program to bring all social housing up to a modern standard by 2040
• Establishing an indexed Housed and Healthy Fund of at least $200 million per annum, so more social housing residents can access critical support services.