Emma Pritchard

A $6.5 million investment to build 22 affordable two-bedroom units for seniors to support independent living in the Clarence Valley, has been announced by the Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.

The properties will be built in South Grafton and rented to elderly residents as part of the Clarence Village independent living division.

A community building for communal activities, landscaped grounds and gardens will also be included as part of the development with the project set to create close to 60 local jobs during construction which the Federal Member described as fantastic news for the region.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent following the announcement on May 11, Mr Hogan confirmed the project is an election commitment, and he would “like to see the other side also make this commitment” to enable it to proceed regardless of the outcome of the 2022 Federal election on May 21.

“We know in this region we have a shortage of housing,” he said.

“This project will be delivered regardless of the election outcome.

“Clarence Village is a wonderful institutional organisation, and this is part of the growth in this area.

“It was wonderful to make this announcement.”

After revealing the last time the organisation received government assistance to construct independent living units was 25 years ago, Director of Clarence Village Geoff Shepherd said the announcement last week was “a very important moment.”

“Grafton has an incredible shortfall of housing and the greatest sufferers of this are the vulnerable, the aged and the infirm, and they’re the community which Clarence Village serves,” he said, adding the project will take between 30 to 35 people off the rental waiting list.

“When I spoke to Kevin and Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis five years ago, I noticed we had a waiting list of 42 at that stage to get into independent living units.

“It’s no shorter today.”

While Mr Shepherd acknowledged housing is not a direct responsibility of the Federal Government, he highlighted his appreciation to Mr Hogan for the $3.5 million investment in the local project alongside $3 million contributed by Clarence Village.

Clarence Village CEO Duncan McKimm also welcomed the announcement and said the project wouldn’t be possible without government support.

“This funding unlocks a huge social benefit by allowing Clarence Village to offer more of the homes we construct for affordable housing,” he said.

“On behalf of the seniors in our community, particularly the dozens on our waiting list trying to find affordable housing, I’d like to thank Kevin for making this commitment.”

The Clarence Valley Independent also spoke with the Australian Labor Party’s candidate for the seat of Page in the 2022 Federal election Patrick Deegan, who confirmed his commitment to the project as part of an Albanese Government if the polls swing in their favour this weekend.