The housing affordability crisis has reached the Riverina, with low income families finding it hardest to keep a roof over their heads in Griffith.
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According to Anglicare, Riverina rentals out of reach for many people on low-incomes. A survey of the rental market on April 1 found single people on Youth Allowance, Newstart or a disability support pension were completely priced out of the market.
People on the age pension fared only slightly better with seven properties – just 2 per cent of available rentals – considered affordable.
Roanna Rosetta from Anglicare said the lack of affordable rentals was cause for major concern across the Riverina. Her Wagga zone is also in the crux of an affordable rental crisis and Albury is only slightly more affordable.
Griffith is more expensive, while smaller centres like Tumut, Adelong and Leeton fared a little better.
But Ms Rosetta pointed out people in those communities faced additional challenges like fewer employment opportunities.
“Lack of affordable housing is a problem across the nation, not just in metro areas,” Ms Rosetta said. “Rental affordability is a complex issue and needs to be addressed in a variety of ways.
“Including improving conditions for renters so they have greater security and addressing the low level of welfare payments for families struggling on low incomes.
“It also means encouraging community conversations about the issue to reduce stigma so that people seek help earlier before they reach a crisis point.”
Anglicare is advocating for a boost to the number of social and affordable properties in NSW, with an estimated 20,000 additional social housing dwellings needed by 2025.