Ground will be broken next Tuesday 25 January on the Australian Government, the Griffith City Council and Argyle Housing's $12M Affordable Housing Project partnership, marking the commencement of the construction of 20 townhouses adjacent to Walla Avenue.
Stage 1 (a) civil works are nearing completion with the sealing of the new road underway, with the detailed design for Stage 2 works receiving Development Assessment approval late last year.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said Council is committed to providing affordable housing for our residents and this sod turning marks an important milestone for the project.
"This partnership with the Australian Government and Argyle Housing is just one demonstration of working with Government and Non-Government Organisations to address the needs of our community," said Councillor Curran.
"The sod turning marks the commencement of this important development, with the construction of 20 affordable townhouses to help address the housing shortage for our community.
In addition, the availability of more than 40 build ready lots will provide affordable housing options and a way to enter the competitive home ownership market in Griffith," he said.
Council and Argyle Housing have committed to providing residents with new playground equipment, a basketball court, and a large open green space within Dave Taylor Park with consultation sessions being held over the last couple of months, and a new Community Hub will also be constructed by Argyle Housing.
Griffin Green has been funded by the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund ($6M), Griffith City Council ($3M), and Argyle Housing ($3M).
Carolyn Doherty, Argyle Housing Relieving CEO said Argyle Housing are excited to achieve this milestone in our partnership with Griffith City Council.
"This development not only reflects the innovation that can be achieved in regional areas through partnerships with local government but demonstrates the importance and impact of Australian Government's investment into housing and economic outcomes in areas of regional growth," said Ms Doherty.
"The Griffin Green development represents opportunity for 20 families to access affordable housing, to remain in Griffith and continue to add value to the community and local economy.
In turning the sod on this site Argyle Housing recognise that these homes are being built on the land of the Wiradjuri people and we would like to acknowledge the support of the Griffith Aboriginal Lands Council. We thank them for their Welcome to Country and for performing the Smoking Ceremony to cleanse the land and offer us goodwill in the completion of the project," she added.
The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Member for Farrer said affordable housing stock and availability was a priority issue first raised when she became the city's local member.
Griffith Council is to be commended for pushing for this important, and much needed, initiative.
"With the locally driven partnership with Argyle Housing and through much needed funding by the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund it's terrific to see the precinct getting off the ground," she said.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton said the Griffin Green development is a promising project, bringing together a proven community housing provider, and all three levels of government.
Following the Sod Turning Ceremony, residents are invited to attend a Community Consultation session on site at Garton Place to discuss the redevelopment and design of the open space at Dave Taylor Park.
"We recognise the importance of an inclusive space and look forward to continuing to work with the community to deliver a space residents – old and new - can be proud of," said Councillor Curran.
"We would like to hear from residents and get their feedback on the open spaces for play, landscaping including trees, plants and gardens, Cultural Heritage Interpretation, shading and footpath.
"A free BBQ will be provided and we encourage you to come along and talk with our park designers – it is important to have input from residents," added Councillor Curran.
The consultation session and BBQ will commence at 12.30pm at Garton Place.
