Arabic version: بدء البناء على مساكن لكبار السن على الرغم من المقاومة المحلية

New public housing units built specifically for seniors are under construction in Riverwood, Sydney, despite local opposition. According to ABC News, the project includes a 29-unit complex on Hardwicke Street and a 16-unit complex on Munmurra Road, with plans to accommodate up to 77 older residents.

The Munmurra Road project is expected to be ready for residents to move in by August 2026. Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson highlighted that many of these new homes will go to women aged over 55 who are at risk of homelessness. She emphasized the importance of building affordable and social housing to meet the needs of older Australians, particularly as more than half of the social housing waitlist in Riverwood consists of seniors.

Despite the pressing need for senior housing, local residents have expressed strong opposition to the Hardwicke Street development. A petition signed by almost 30 residents raised concerns about the potential impact on property values and the strain on local amenities due to an influx of new residents. They argue that the project threatens the peaceful character of their neighborhood.

The new complex will comprise a three-story residential building with parking spaces, pedestrian pathways, and landscaped areas. However, residents worry that the construction will lead to increased noise and traffic, complicating their daily lives. The local MP, Mark Coure, has forwarded the residents’ concerns to Minister Jackson but has not provided additional comments.

The need for seniors housing is underscored by statistics indicating that over 55-year-olds make up 17% of the homeless population in New South Wales. The Older Women’s Network NSW has called for further action to address the growing issue of homelessness among older women, emphasizing that while new projects are welcomed, they represent only a small step towards solving a larger problem.