The Minns Labor Government is investing in much-needed public housing for seniors, with more than 50 projects that will deliver over 1,100 new homes for older residents in New South Wales.
These projects form part of the Government’s Building Homes for NSW program, the largest housing investment in NSW history, backed by a record $6.6 billion commitment to deliver 8,400 new public homes across the state.
Since April 2023, 356 new homes for senior residents have been completed including in Rosemeadow, Merrylands, and Matraville.
Seniors housing is purpose-designed for people aged 55 and over, with improved accessibility for people with restricted mobility and close proximity to transport and services.
The suburb of Riverwood in Sydney’s south-west is the latest suburb to see investment in seniors housing, with multiple projects underway including:
- Hardwicke Street – a new 29-unit complex now under construction to provide safe and secure housing for around 50 older residents once complete by mid-2027.
- Munmurra Road – construction on track to deliver 16 public homes that will be ready for up to 28 senior residents to move into by August this year.
It comes amid progress on the landmark Riverwood Estate Renewal Project, which will revitalise the suburb through the construction of 420 new homes.
Following extensive community consultation, the Minns Government overhauled the former government’s stalled redevelopment plans to build more homes sooner, increasing the number of social and affordable homes on the site to 50 per cent and delivering the project in stages.
A tender process is underway for Stage One, which is scheduled to go out for public exhibition later this year and construction expected to begin in 2027.
The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering large-scale housing renewals across NSW, with plans progressing for estate renewals in Waterloo, Telopea, Wollongong (Bellambi) and Wagga Wagga (Tolland).
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“When it comes to tackling a housing crisis, there is no better example than what is happening here in Riverwood. We are producing homes now for people who need them the most, while also forging ahead with an historic redevelopment that will future proof the housing supply for decades to come.
“Almost a third of households on our social housing waitlist are seniors – in Riverwood that number is even higher with more than half of the waitlist aged 55 or older. That is why we need to invest in social housing that is safe, secure and can accommodate the needs of older Australians.
“We often see community opposition to social housing based on stereotypes about tenants but the truth is, many of these new homes will go to women aged over 55, who are the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness.”
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