Future Affordable Housing Planned for Council’s Hill Street Site

Published on 13 June 2025

Uralla Shire Council has taken the first step in addressing growing housing pressures, resolving to transfer land at 15 Hill Street to Homes North Community Housing to support the development of affordable housing. The land transfer is conditional on Homes North securing government grant funding for the development, and its perpetual use for affordable housing.

Like many regional areas, Uralla is facing growing housing pressure. Rents have risen, and there’s limited availability—especially for essential workers, single pensioners, and people on lower incomes. Council’s decision reflects a commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable community growth.

Uralla has looked to the example of Shoalhaven City Council, which partnered with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and Southern Cross Housing to transform an underused site into 39 affordable and social dwellings.

Mayor Robert Bell said: “This is about taking local action to support local people. We know the cost of housing is rising, and we want to make sure Uralla remains a place that people from all walks of life can call home.”

General Manager, Toni Averay said: “This is about Council being proactive and pragmatic in the face of limited resources. We’ve looked to councils like Shoalhaven, who’ve found a partnership model that works within the constraints of the current funding and legislative system.”

Homes North CEO Maree Mckenzie welcomed the decision. “We are committed to working closely with Uralla Shire Council and the local community to deliver high-quality, well-managed homes in Uralla Shire. Community and Council input will be key to ensuring the project meets local needs.”

Renewable energy company ACEN Australia has also partnered in the project, providing a $65,000 grant through its New England Solar Social Investment Program to Homes North to fund the planning and design steps needed to deliver a shovel-ready project well-positioned to secure government funding for construction.

David Pollington, ACEN Australia’s Managing Director, said: “This partnership continues our commitment to ensuring our activities in the region protect community resilience and support long-term solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local people, now and into the future.”

Council will continue working closely with Homes North and the DCJ to progress planning and secure funding through the Housing Australia Future Fund.