Arabic version: واجّا واجّا تشهد زيادة دراماتيكية في الطلب على الإسكان الاجتماعي

A new report shows a 500 per cent increase in demand for priority housing in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. According to ABC News, this increase has occurred over the four years leading up to June 2025, making Wagga Wagga the city with the fastest-growing waitlist for social housing in the state.

The report, by advocacy group Homeless NSW, reveals that the number of households on the priority list has more than doubled across New South Wales during the same period. In Wagga Wagga, the surge in demand coincides with a 48 per cent increase in apartment rents statewide, creating significant challenges for those seeking shelter.

In response to the alarming situation, the NSW government has formed a cross-agency working group aimed at addressing homelessness in Wagga Wagga. This decision follows a tragic incident where a newborn baby died at a riverside camp where families were living. Local residents have expressed concerns about the suitability of temporary accommodation currently available.

Wagga Wagga’s independent MP, Joe McGirr, stated that assurances have been given regarding the availability of appropriate accommodation options for those in need. He emphasized the importance of assertive outreach to help individuals who may be anxious about their housing options. Meanwhile, advancements in technology, such as modular construction, could facilitate the rapid development of suitable housing solutions.

Wagga Wagga’s mayor, Dallas Tout, is optimistic that the city can serve as a model for addressing homelessness, collaborating with other mayors to share strategies for tackling similar issues across New South Wales. The NSW Minister for Homelessness, Rose Jackson, is expected to visit Wagga Wagga in the coming weeks to further assess the situation.