Older residents in need of affordable housing are moving into new homes in South Sydney, with the first 16 purpose-built seniors social housing units now complete in Riverwood.
The recently completed project on Munmurra Road will provide housing for around 30 residents and marks the first stage of a major investment for seniors housing in the area, with a further 29 homes under construction on Hardwicke Street that are due for completion in early 2027.
About a third of all people on the social housing waitlist are seniors and these projects are responding to the demand for purpose-built seniors housing.
Built on traditional lands of the Bidjigal clan of the Dharug people, the new homes on Munmurra Road have been designed specifically to cater for the needs of older residents, with accessible features throughout the ground floor, level access and low-maintenance living.
The complex features eight one-bedroom units and eight two-bedroom units, 12 off-street car parks, communal garden spaces and solar power to help residents manage everyday household costs.
The new homes will provide greater housing security for older people, including women over 55, who remain the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness in Australia.
As residents start moving into the new homes, nearby work is progressing on the major Riverwood Renewal Project which will revitalise the suburb and deliver hundreds of additional homes.
Plans for Stage One, which includes 125 new social homes, are expected to go on public exhibition later this year, with construction targeted to begin in 2027.
It’s all part of the largest investment into housing in the state’s history, with the Minns Labor Government investing $6.6 billion into social housing to deliver 8,400 new social homes.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“We started construction on this project just one year ago and now we have 16 beautiful new homes that will give older residents the dignity and stability of a safe home in the community they know and love.
“Many of the new homes are going to women aged over 55, who are the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness.
“I’m thrilled to see these homes finished but also to know we’ve got more on the way, and we’re laying the groundwork for a major redevelopment that will support the Riverwood community for decades to come. This is what we can achieve when we invest seriously in public housing.”
Labor Candidate for Oatley Elaina Anzellotti said:
“Everyone deserves the security of a safe and affordable home, especially older people who have spent their lives contributing to our community.
“These new homes in Riverwood will help vulnerable seniors to stay connected to the people, services and neighbourhoods they know.
“This is a great example of the kind of housing our community needs and it’s encouraging to see further investment planned through the Riverwood Renewal Project.”
