New housing model for low-income earners in Illawarra
A UnitingCare development in Shellharbour in the Illawarra region of New South Wales will create a new model for seniors living – partly because not all of the project will be for those aged over 55.
The Illawarra Mercury newspaper reports that UnitingCare bought the eight hectares “seniors precinct” site on the corner of Wattle Road and New Lake Entrance Road from Landcom for $8.9 million.
Initial plans are to build 200 to 300 dwellings on the site in a seniors living complex linked to nearby UnitingCare facilities.
However, the precinct will include 50 units funded through the Federal Government’s national rental affordability scheme (NRAS) which will provide a community housing option for people on a low income.
The 50 units will be leased at 25% below market rates.
They could be occupied by a range of people under the age of 55 including the disabled, family members of those in nearby UnitingCare facilities and even aged care workers.
UnitingCare Ageing director, Gillian McFee, said when completed the site would incorporate a range of residential housing options, as well as community services and support services, signalling greater choice and independence for Shellharbour seniors.
Regional director of UnitingCare Ageing, Joe Gaudiosi, said the precinct moved away from the idea of aged-care services being set aside from the wider community.
“The new service focuses more on integration, providing communities with the chance to continue sharing skills, services and experiences,” Mr Gaudiosi said.
He also said the new precinct also would break down traditional institutional stages of aged care.
