The Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch MP, representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, The Hon Pru Goward MP, today officially opened a new community housing project, Talia on Chambers in Woy Woy developed by Evolve Pacific Developments.

Evolve Pacific Developments is a joint venture between local community housing provider Pacific Link Housing, and Evolve Housing which will see the development of more than 80 new dwellings across three sites on the Central Coast and Western Sydney.

Talia on Chambers is the first completed project by Evolve Pacific Developments which contains 31 studio apartments, including two accessible and eight adaptable apartments for people with disability.  The building also contains accommodation for an onsite caretaker.

Speaking at the opening, Pacific Link Chairman, David Bacon, said the development model where CHPs partner with government to fund the provision of new social and affordable housing was an excellent way forward in addressing the chronic shortage of housing for people in need.

Mr Bacon said more and more people were suffering housing stress and Pacific Link was pleased to be able to contribute to addressing the shortage.

“On the Central Coast people needing social housing could face a wait of up to ten years, depending on their circumstances and while this development will not solve the problem, it is a step in the right direction,” he said.

Chairman of Evolve Housing, Paul Howlett, said the collaboration of Evolve Pacific Developments is an effective way to leverage the scale of Evolve and the local knowledge of Pacific Link to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in two areas in high need of social and affordable housing.

“This development model is just one of a number of innovative social and affordable housing solution being delivered by the community housing sector to address the chronic under supply,” he said.

Speaking at the opening today Alan Zammit, Evolve Housing Board member said “Through Evolve Pacific Developments we have delivered the first of a series of housing solutions and services that empower people on their journey to greater independence. Talia on Chambers is an excellent project that has the unique capacity to transform peoples lives for the better and transform the local community through its vibrancy.”

“Evolve Pacific Developments seeks to level the playing field for every day people facing housing stress. As housing prices soar across the country to rates that many Australians are struggling to afford, it is so important that Community Housing Providers like Evolve and Pacific Link, governments, councils and businesses come together to provide affordable and quality housing for all,” said Mr Zammit.

The Talia development is already fully tenanted with 14 affordable units for people on low incomes and 17 for social housing tenants.

Talia on Chambers, is one of three projects along with Roselands in Western Sydney and Canton Beach in the Central Coast, being undertaken by Evolve Pacific Developments including projects and partly funded by the State Government.  The three developments will see an investment of more than $17 million by the two Community Housing Providers (CHPs) and the NSW government.

Pacific Link Housing is a government approved, not-for-profit social and community housing provider based in Gosford with more than 30 years’ experience. PLH currently manages over 1,000 properties housing approximately 2,000 residents within the Central Coast and Hunter regions of New South Wales. For more information visit pacificlink.org.au

Evolve Housing is one of the largest Community Housing Providers in Australia, providing housing assistance to eligible people on low incomes or who are unable to access appropriate housing in the private market. This includes social housing, affordable housing and supported housing. Evolve delivers housing solutions and services that empower people on their journey to greater independence.