Page 3314 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 21 August 2018

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The HomeGround Real Estate model has the potential to unlock priority dwellings to be rented at below market rates to eligible tenants. Registering under the HomeGround Canberra brand, CHC will provide a not-for-profit real estate agency that delivers professional property management services to property investors while creating more affordable housing for low to moderate income earners. As the largest community housing provider in Canberra, CHC is well placed to introduce the proven HomeGround business model to the territory.

Co-housing provides a great opportunity for a group of interested purchasers to come together and collectively design and fund their own multi-unit housing project. Both ECHO and Smart Urban Villages will provide affordable housing options for people looking for an alternative to your typical housing model. The projects will be well designed, energy efficient and affordable for people on low incomes. Projects funded under year 1 will help grow the amount of affordable housing in Canberra.

MR STEEL: Minister, what other projects will the innovation fund be able to support in future?

MS BERRY: I thank Mr Steel for the question. With year 1 projects now underway, the second year of the housing innovation fund will aim to continue to increase the supply of affordable housing, with a focus on special cohorts and projects.

Five specific initiatives have been identified for year 2 funding. Two of the initiatives will seek proposals to increase the supply of affordable housing for two specific cohorts: specialist disability accommodation and dedicated accommodation for low income families escaping domestic violence.

Canberrans will be asked to come forward with projects that boost the supply of accessible, low-cost accommodation for either rent or purchase for these cohorts, and will need innovative solutions that will not only incorporate high levels of universal design but will also enable better social inclusion.

The government will also be calling for supported housing projects on underutilised community facility land. This initiative will seek expressions of interest from groups who own community facility land, who can access funding to facilitate projects that boost the supply of affordable supported accommodation.

Across Canberra there is a range of community facilities land in private ownership that could be better utilised for housing and other facilities to support the wider community. Applications will be reopened in year 2 for proposals to establish a home share initiative, to make use of spare bedrooms to provide affordable accommodation and support for Canberrans who need support in their home.

Finally, any other proposal will be able to come forward to seek funding under the innovation fund. A range of ideas were brought forward as part of the housing strategy consultations and this initiative will enable individuals and groups to come forward with those proposals for funding. Details on the application process for year 2 funding will be made available later this year.

Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.


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