New Energy Efficient Affordable Housing for Working Families in Southern Sydney

Media Release – 27 April, 2016

Two families are thrilled to be moving into SGCH’s new, energy efficient, homes in Carss Park.

The Miowera Avenue property includes two, three bedroom town houses and is part of a pipeline of 240 new Affordable Housing properties that SGCH is currently building across the Sydney Metropolitan region. All of these dwellings will have energy efficient initiatives.

CEO of SGCH Group, Scott Langford, said “we are very proud of this project and excited to welcome these families to their new homes.

The site was one of 100 properties vested to SGCH under the NSW Government Asset Ownership Program. As an Affordable Housing property, Miowera Avenue provides additional options for families who find the private housing market in Sydney increasingly unaffordable.

“More than half the lower income households in the private market in Australia are in housing stress – paying over 30% of their income in housing costs. When you add to this, the rising costs of living, there are a lot of people who are really struggling.

“SGCH is committed to sustainable housing design, ensuring tenants who are vulnerable to rising energy costs can benefit from savings now and in the future,” he said.

ABS data* shows that in 2012, Australian households spent over $2,000 a year on energy costs (electricity and gas).

“This is a large cost, so saving money on energy bills would make a real difference to our tenants’ lives and improve their health and wellbeing,” Mr Langford added.

The two properties will each have more than a 7 star rating under the Nationwide Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and a range of features that will reduce energy costs for tenants. These include solar panels on the roof, LED lighting, wall and ceiling insulation, ceiling fans and rainwater harvesting.

Chris Minns, member for Kogarah commemorated the completion of the Miowera property with a tree planting.

“Today is a great opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work SGCH do and welcome two new families to our inclusive, diverse community,” he said.

ENDS
*http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4670.0main+features132012

For more information, please contact Shannon O’Connell, Public Relations Manager on 9001 4372, 0438 980 127 or shannon.oconnell@sgch.com.au.

About SGCH

  • SGCH is a not-for-profit community housing provider with over 30 years’ experience in providing housing assistance to those most in need. Recognised as one of the largest Community Housing Providers in Australia, SGCH houses over 8,400 people in 4,300 homes.
  • In addition to core housing services, SGCH works in partnership with Government agencies and support partners to provide a range of initiatives to improve the lives of tenants such as training, education, employment and community engagement opportunities.

About NaTHERS

  • The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) ranks buildings according to their ability to maintain thermally comfortable conditions in terms of the amount of energy needed to artificially heat or cool them. The less energy consumed, the higher the star rating on a scale of one to 10 stars. A 10-star house shouldn’t require any artificial heating or cooling to be comfortable all year round.
  • New buildings are required to be built to a 4.5 star NatHERS rating.
  • According to the NatHERS website, houses built in 1990 average about 1 star on the scale, whereas well-designed new homes now sit around six stars. For further detail see: www.nathers.gov.au.
  • The NatHERS scheme is administered by the Department of Industry and Science.