That is how Homes Out West CEO Cliff Jones has described the attention given to the social housing sector in this week’s NSW Budget announcement.
And it has come on the back of a Federal Budget announcement that Mr Jones said missed the mark on both building targets and spending.
In its budget last month the Federal Government offered $7.7 billion to construct 30,000 new social housing homes over the next four years.
But Mr Jones said the government would need to build at least 15,000 homes a year nationally to meet current demand, which he suggested was ‘‘just the tip of the iceberg’’.
The NSW Budget offers no new or additional funding for social housing, highlighting only $366.5 million of existing funding that was committed in the 2020-21 budget and rolled over.
‘‘The only increase seems to be for the Together Home project, which we auspice, but it’s not clear how much of that will come to this region,’’ Mr Jones said.
‘‘The New South Wales Government received a $9.37 billion windfall from stamp duty revenue, compared to an original forecast of $7.9 billion in November’s budget.
‘‘This windfall could have been directed to building more social and affordable housing for people in greatest need.
‘‘New South Wales has the largest social housing waiting list in Australia, with more than 51,000 households waiting to be housed.
‘‘This is no longer just a city issue, the housing crisis is also a regional issue. The 780 social homes announced in last year’s budget is simply not enough to address the issue.’’
Mr Jones last month revealed that demand for housing through Homes Out West had increased by 10 per cent over 12 months.
But with rentals at capacity and buying demand at an unprecedented high, he said that figure may not capture those who had given up hope of finding somewhere to stay.
Mr Jones urged anyone requiring assistance with housing to continue to apply through Homes Out West. Call the Deniliquin office on 5881 4182 to arrange an appointment.
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