Released 15/03/2024 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is continuing to invest in affordable homes and housing options for Canberrans by supporting 54 new rental properties to be built in Woden.
Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn will deliver a 54-unit Build-to-Rent development in Curtin, supported by the Government’s $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund.
All 54 units will be affordable rentals and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025 and be completed by mid-to-late 2026, pending planning approvals.
The Government established the Affordable Housing Project Fund in 2023 to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.
The Curtin development is one of six projects supported through the fund so far, alongside:
- a CHC Australia and Canberra Southern Cross Club 140-unit Build-to-Rent project in Phillip which will include 70 affordable rental units
- the Government's $4.5 million contribution to the Ginninderry women’s housing initiative, a partnership between Housing Australia and CHC Australia as part of a joint venture to deliver the first women’s housing build-to-rent-to-buy pilot program
In total, the six projects are expected to deliver up to 280 new affordable rental properties in Canberra, contributing to our commitment to deliver 600 additional affordable rentals by 2025-26, as outlined in the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly.
Community housing providers and landholders are encouraged to submit proposals to access the Affordable Housing Project Fund through the Government’s request for proposal process, which closes on 9 April 2024. More information is available on the Government’s Housing website.
Build to Rent, which is aimed at increasing the supply of rental properties available for long-term tenure, is an important part of the Government’s ACT Housing Strategy to improve rental supply and affordability.
The Government will announce further community housing partnerships for affordable Build-to-Rent projects soon.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“The ACT Government is continuing to focus on increasing housing access, choice and affordability.
“We are pleased to be working with community housing providers and landholders, including Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn, to develop Build-to-Rent projects with an affordable rental component, as part of our $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund.
“These projects will help ensure we have the right mix of housing options to meet the needs of a growing Canberra, which is on track to reach half-a-million people by 2027.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry:
“The announcement of another Build-to-Rent project further demonstrates the ACT Government’s commitment to increasing the supply of housing options for all Canberrans, and importantly renters.
“It’s exciting to see more affordable housing projects getting off the ground with the support of our Affordable Housing Project Fund.
“Every Canberran should have a fair chance at finding a place to call home, whether they’re a homeowner or tenant.”
Quotes attributable to Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn CEO Anne Kirwan:
“Marymead CatholicCare is extremely excited to partner with the ACT Government and the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn’s North Woden Parish to deliver a brand new affordable rental development in Curtin.
“This project has been five years in the making, and we have worked closely with the ACT Government to support this initiative and enable the Archdiocese to be able to use its own land to meet a growing need within our community – housing.
“This build will increase rental supply in the ACT for individuals and families who earn less than $100,000 and who are experiencing rental distress.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases