[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: When destroying houses is considered an affordable housing strategy

[Sydney Greens]

MEDIA RELEASE:
When destroying houses is considered an affordable housing strategy
29 July 2016

A new analysis of the NSW State election budget reveals the NSW
Government's much-promoted "Affordable Housing Fund" is actually being
directed to road projects, including the contentious WestConnex project.

The analysis was revealed by Shelter NSW:
http://www.shelternsw.org.au/publications-new/newsletters/537-around-the-house-no-105-state-budget-supplement

Greens candidate for Sydney and former Marrickville Councillor
Sylvie Ellsmore said:

"During the State budget last week the Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian
stated that housing affordability remains one of the greatest challenges of
our time.

"The NSW Liberals made much of a proposed $262 million which will
'accelerate the construction of more than 160,000 homes'.

"An analysis by peak housing body Shelter NSW reveals that this will not
in fact be directed to housing. It will be directed to building roads
in existing areas - including WestConnex.

"To claim funding being used to take people's homes for WestConnex as
an affordable housing measure takes the concept of spin to a whole
new level," she said.

Greens candidate for Grayndler, Jim Casey said:

“This is why we need to stop the construction of WestConnex and allow
the Auditor General to examine this rotten project.

“But we know we have fallen down the rabbit hole when destroying homes
is considered an affordable housing strategy. This is low by even
NSW standards.

"That money must be redirected to affordable housing and Premier Baird
must stop the construction of this appalling private tollway, stop
destroying people’s home and get real about public transport, clean air and
our communities green spaces," Mr Casey said.

For further information contact

Julie Macken for Jim Casey  – 0400 925 217
Mark Riboldi for Sylvie Ellsmore - 0433 753 376


SYLVIE For SYDNEY
— The Greens NSW

D/275 Broadway, Glebe NSW 2037
Chris Kerle - Campaign Manager: 0430 123 674 / Mark Riboldi - Media: 0433
753 376




Authorised by Chris Kerle
L1, 275 Broadway, Glebe 2037