National Shelter media release 04/10/11: Housing peak welcomes round four of National Rental Affordability Scheme

National Shelter is pleased to hear the Gillard Government has announced round four of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

The round includes delivery on over 200 projects to build and more than 17 000 properties for low to moderate income households to rent below market rate. 

Chairperson of National Shelter, Adrian Pisarski, said the Gillard Government has shown foresight in allocating NRAS contributions in forward spending.

“It is critical that Government invest in long-term solutions like NRAS to address the housing stress currently being experienced in Australia”.

“The Gillard Government has shown great commitment in developing and supporting NRAS and should now look at increasing the program in future”.

The division of round four of NRAS as follows:

·         New South Wales: more than 4700 properties

·         Queensland: more than 5600 properties

·         Victoria: more than 900 properties

·         Western Australia: up to 2300 properties to date

·         South Australia: more than 400 properties to date

·         Tasmania: more than 1000 properties

·         Northern Territory: more than 400 properties

·         ACT: more than 1500 properties

The National Rental Affordability Scheme is about increasing supply of new affordable rental housing, reducing rental costs for low and moderate income households and encouraging investment and innovative affordable housing. To find out more about NRAS see http://www.environment.gov.au/housing/nras/index.html

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For more information:

Adrian Pisarski, Executive Officer PH: 0417 975 270
Joanna Carson, Communications Officer PH: 0430 227 787

Queensland Shelter’s policy platform, Diverse Housing Solutions is available at www.qshelter.asn.au.