Emma Pritchard
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has expressed his disappointment in the Labor Government regarding a 2022 Federal election commitment.
On May 11 last year, Mr Hogan met with representatives of Clarence Village in Grafton to announce a $6.5 million co-funded investment to enable properties to be built in South Grafton and rented to elderly residents as part of the Clarence Village independent living division.
Following the announcement, Mr Hogan stated he would “like to see the other side also make this commitment” to allow it to proceed, regardless of the outcome of the 2022 Federal election which took place on May 21.
“I secured $3.5 million for the construction of 22 affordable two-bedroom units in South Grafton,” Mr Hogan said.
“It is disappointing that the Labor Government are not going to fund this.
“Labor not funding the 22 affordable two-bedroom units will only continue to cause stress on the housing market which is of great concern for an aging demographic.
“This is extremely disappointing.”
CEO of Clarence Village Duncan McKimm said there are currently dozens of people on the waiting list who are in search of affordable housing.
Describing the housing crisis in the Clarence Valley as a serious and ongoing community issue, Mr McKimm said Clarence Village is “very keen to address this shortage.”
Clarence Village have already contributed $3 million towards the construction of affordable housing for seniors, and the project is expected to take between 30 and 35 people off the rental waiting list.
“All we need is for the Government to give us some detail on how this funding is to be arranged so that we can get going to address the need,” he said.
“Too many people, in particular seniors in the Clarence Valley, are facing homelessness unless we can provide more affordable housing, and we need to do that as soon as we can.”
Grafton resident Marilyn Davison knows exactly what he means.
After leaving her previous residence in Brushgrove when the property went on the market, Ms Davison struggled to find local accommodation.
The 71-year-old was only weeks away from facing homelessness when she was offered a unit at Clarence Village.
“The relief I felt when I knew I had a place to live, it was indescribable,” she recalled.
“I experienced so much anxiety while I tried to find a new place to move into, it made me physically sick.
“Now I feel so lucky to have a roof over my head.
“I was so close to being homeless.
“There absolutely needs to be more affordable housing built locally to sustain the increasing demand.”