MPs Josh Wilson and Andrew Leigh, and MLAs Suzanne Orr and Yvette Berry at an upgraded social housing development. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
The ACT and Federal governments have announced the start of construction on 57 new social housing apartments in Gunghalin as it moves forward with a federal partnership program to build more stock in the capital.
The development will be a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments that have been designed to maximise accessibility. Thirty of the 57 apartments have been designed to be adaptable to suit the needs of people with disabilities.
Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs Minister Yvette Berry said the government was taking action to release more land and build more housing.
“There is an urgent need for more housing in Canberra, especially as our city’s population is expected to increase significantly in coming years,” she said.
“The most vulnerable people in our community can’t be left behind, and with Federal Labor’s support, we can continue working to ensure everyone has a safe place to live.”
The apartments are being funded by joint Territory and Federal funding, through the Social Housing Accelerator Program and the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility.
This is the second round of the HAFFF, which has committed to a target of 40,000 homes over five years nationally, with 85 to be built in Canberra. Twenty-four of the 57 units in Gungahlin are being built with HAFFF funding.
The remaining 33 units will be funded under SHAP funding, as part of a $50 million commitment to build between 55 and 66 dwellings across the ACT.
SHAP’s current delivery goal estimates that this construction will reduce social housing wait times by one week.
The program delivered its first 17 homes in June this year.
Member for Fenner Dr Andrew Leigh said the federal government was proud to partner with Canberra for this project.
“Some people say you can’t solve a housing shortage with new houses – we’re here to prove them wrong,” he said.
“These 57 new apartments in Gungahlin will be more than a place to sleep. They’re near shops, schools and transport, and have communal spaces designed for bumping into your neighbours in the best possible way.
“While Rome wasn’t built in a day, Gungahlin’s newest neighbourhood is well and truly under construction.”
Access to housing has been a major platform for Labor both federally and in the ACT. ACT Labor campaigned last year to 5000 public, community and affordable rental dwellings by 2030.
Construction on the new apartments is due for completion in early 2027 and will be undertaken by Hindmarsh Construction Australia.
