Media Release
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
NORTHERN TERRITORY BEHIND THE
REST OF THE NATION IN THE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING RACE.
The decision by the Federal and Territory Governments to release
approximately 1000 house lots in the new suburb of Muirhead is a significant
step towards relieving pressure on Darwin’s overpriced housing market.
Throughout November, not-for-profit organisation Ethan Affordable Housing Ltd
conducted a feasibility study to determine the viability of establishing a presence
within the Territory.
“We have identified that there is a high level of need for the provision of affordable
housing services within the Territory and feel that our organisation could add
significant value to the area,” said Mr Ashley Fenn, Director – Ethan Affordable
Housing.
“We are aware that the Territory Government has identified the need for an affordable
housing company and is investigating the different models so one can be created.
Based on our research, we feel that the Territory could be serviced by at least two not
for profit housing companies.
“Ethan Affordable Housing currently provides affordable rentals in Victoria to key
workers such as Police, Nurses and Teachers, we find that even medium income
families, seniors, couples and those with disabilities are requiring assistance when it
comes to paying their bills and making ends meet” Mr Fenn said.
The creation of 1000 lots in Muirhead by the Defence Housing Australia will go
towards levelling the discrepancy between supply and demand pressures and allow for
a more balanced market. The increased supply will certainly decrease the price of land
from what has been seen as an unachievable dream for many homebuyers.
During a public hearing in Darwin by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Public Works, DHA officials confirmed that there had been approaches from the
Government to discuss a role for the Authority in delivering indigenous housing in the
Northern Territory.
“Providing successful affordable housing is not just about building cheap houses. We
calculate the success of any project by a number of measures including:, the creation
of stronger communities, housing residents in appropriate accommodation, provision
of support services, creating value for money and giving residents safe and affordable
accommodation that is close to public transport and community infrastructure”, Mr
Fenn said.
“Gone are the days of providing clusters of social housing that deteriorated into
ghettos and slum neighbourhoods. Across the world they have been the biggest social
experiment gone wrong and unfortunately we have inherited them. Affordable
housing today is a lot more strategic and needs based, where one size does not fit all,”
he said.
Visiting Manchester in the UK last week Mr Fenn witnessed first hand the devastation
of whole estates having to be evacuated and closed as a result of years of poor
planning and management. Mr Fenn stated, “The only option was for the bulldozers
to demolish the neighbourhood and for the Affordable Housing companies to rebuild
the estate with a mixture of residents that created a new environment.
“With an effective strategic plan it is possible to provide affordable rentals, realistic
prices for homes buyers and create great suburbs with a strong community sense with
support mechanisms for those in need,” Fenn said.
With the recent release of the National Rental Affordability Scheme, thousands of
homes are now under construction across Australia to provide low and medium
income families with a rental discount of at least 20%. Unfortunately without the
presence of an Affordable Housing Company none of these homes are being provided
within the Northern Territory.
Mr Fenn stated, “Ethan Affordable Housing has been able to implement the NRAS
program within a business model which has provided additional affordable housing
by using private investment to significantly leverage the governments investment
rather than drawing on already strained housing funds”.
Ethan Affordable Housing is continuing its investigations and seeking potential
partnerships with existing support services organisations within the Territory prior to
finalising its plans to establish in Darwin.
Media Liaison: Darryn Keneally 0410 344 761
FACT SHEET
Ethan Affordable Housing is a Not-for-profit organisation that provides
affordable housing solutions to low and medium income families, identifying and
providing solution-based outcomes to the communities.
Uniquely, Ethan Affordable Housing combines business and private sector
investment with government assistance to create sustainable affordable housing
solutions.
Ethan Affordable Housing is participating in the joint Federal and State
Government initiative to build and rent homes under the NRAS scheme. Ethan
Affordable Housing received 148 approvals in September from the round two
announcements.
Ashley Fenn has over 20 years experience in the construction and property
development sector, he sits as chairman and Director of Ethan Affordable
Housing Limited, Director of Ethan Property Group and holds interests in
Agriculture and International Trade businesses.
NEWS 
