Housing Trust welcomes the announcement that three of its projects have been approved for funding under round one of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), administered by Housing Australia.
The three projects, all located in the Wollongong Local Government Area have a combined value of $34m and provide 45 dedicated long-term social and affordable rental homes for a range of local households including women and children, older women at risk of homelessness and essential workers.
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- Warruya (Wollongong) 27 Apartments
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- Northsea (Wollongong) 9 Apartments
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- The Bower (Dapto) 9 Apartments
The Bower in Dapto and Northsea in Wollongong have both recently been completed and each provide nine affordable rental homes.
Warruya, located in the Wollongong health precinct is due for completion in mid-2026 and includes 15 affordable rental homes and 12 social homes. The project is a great demonstration of what’s possible when Community Housing Providers work closely with all levels of Government, with this project also receiving Local and State Government funding support.
Amanda Winks, CEO of Housing Trust said, “We are delighted that these vital projects will have the benefit of this funding. It is the helping hand that makes sure we can retain these affordable homes in perpetuity for the benefit of our community.”
“We have great support and recognition of the need for both social and affordable rental housing here in the Illawarra and we’re grateful for the support in bringing these projects to life.”
“They demonstrate the value and impact of funding in the delivery of affordable homes that we know are so desperately needed. Even with this funding, these projects rely on significant capital investment by Housing Trust. Predictable and reliable funding is required to ensure we can keep growing to meet need.” Winks said.
Access to a home is considered a basic human right, yet in the Wollongong LGA alone, there are currently more than 10,000 households living in housing stress (paying more than 30% of their income in rent or mortgage repayments). 2,845 households are waiting for an offer of social housing. These figures demonstrate the dire need to work towards a target of one in ten new homes being social or affordable to ensure access to appropriate homes for every Australian.
“Having had the great joy of handing over keys to some of the first homes delivered with the help of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility, we know the value of ensuring everyone in our society has access to a safe, secure and affordable home. Consistent funding is needed to scale up social and affordable housing supply and ultimately to achieve a different housing future – one where there is a decent home for everyone,” Winks said.
Quotes attributable to Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:
“These projects under the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility are a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis in our community. This funding will ensure that more families, women, and essential workers have access to safe and affordable housing.”
“These projects are not just buildings; they are homes that provide stability and security to those in need.”
“Our vision is to create a future where every Australian has access to a decent home. The Housing Australia Future Fund is a crucial part of this vision, providing the predictable and reliable funding needed to scale up social and affordable housing supply.”
“The Albanese Labor Government understands that the long-term solution is supply. That’s why we have a target of building 1.2 million homes through our $32 billion Homes for Australia Plan.
Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam, The Hon. Stephen Jones MP:
“I am proud to be apart of a government that promises to deliver housing and can follow through on that promise. Labor’s Housing Australia Future Fund is building the homes that our cities, suburbs, and regions need. Pair that with our expanded Home Guarantee Scheme and back-to-back increases to Commonwealth rent assistance, Labor is building Australia’s housing future.”
“I recently had the privilege of visiting the Bower in Dapto. These nine new units have made a real difference by providing housing for women escaping domestic violence and homelessness. This project has transformed the lives of current residents and will continue to help many more women in the future. All women should know that the Albanese Labor Government will stand with them through thick and thin.”
“The Albanese Labor Government has committed 6 times more funding in three years than the Coalition did over their entire decade of Government. We are building thousands upon thousands of social and affordable homes for everyday Australians. The Housing Australia Future Fund is the way forward, and out of this housing crisis.”
