ACCESS to affordable housing is such a major problem that it is have an effect on the rest of Australia's social rankings.
The latest report from the respected Social Progress Index showed Australia was the 10th most socially advanced nation in the world but 19th for shelter and 51st for housing affordability.
In Sutherland Shire — where million-dollar homes are the norm in some areas — the problem of affordable housing shows no sign of abating.
Affordable housing is for workers on a low income who may not be eligible for social housing but are struggling to find a home in the private rental market.
St George Community Housing has recognised the problem and has begun its first affordable housing development project.
The 42-unit development site in Belmont Street, Sutherland, was chosen for its proximity to public transport.
The rent on the units will be set at market price with eligible tenants paying 75 per cent and St George Community Housing paying 25 per cent, said spokeswoman Agnes Yi.
Potential clients had to have an income of less than $45,000 to be eligible.
"Sydney house prices are so high," she said.
From July 2013 to June 2014 the organisation received about 25 applications for affordable housing a month, with the amount jumping to 42 a month now.
Ms Yi said that number was likely to increase again once the units reached their completion date.
"Lots of working families are applying," she said.
Despite the 46 objections from neighbours, Ms Yi said Sutherland Shire Council had been supportive of the plan.
