SOCIAL housing for seniors in Western Sydney is getting a boost with 27 new homes in Smithfield and 15 new homes in Penrith, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Housing Tanya Davies has announced.

“Sydney’s ageing population is projected to increase over the next thirty years which is why the NSW Government is taking action now to build a better future with enough housing,” Mrs Davies said.

“We want to see older people stay healthy and independent as long as possible in safe and secure homes.”

The $13 million the Government is investing in these two modern, purpose-built developments – which are scheduled to be completed by mid next year – comes from the sale of heritage social housing in Millers Point.

The projected proceeds from Millers Point property sales, expected to be about $500 million, is being reinvested into some 1500 new social housing dwellings, allowing more people on the waiting list to be housed faster.

Sixteen two-bedroom units and 11 one-bedroom units are being built at Smithfield while the Penrith housing development will see 10 two-bedroom units and five one-bedroom units constructed.

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres welcomed boost saying both developments are specifically designed with senior citizens in mind with adaptable kitchens and wheel chair accessible bathrooms.

“It’s great to see Western Sydney benefitting from the redistribution of housing from Millers Point with the commencement of these projects in Penrith and Smithfield,” Mr Ayres said.

To date, 21 Millers Point properties have been sold, generating $46.6 million to fund social housing.