New Miranda development has an entire building of units for key workers paying reduced rent

One of the two buildings in the Meridian development has been set aside as affordable rental housing for key workers in essential industries, such as police, paramedics, nurses, teachers and aged care and childcare employees.

Eligible workers will be able to rent high quality apartments in the rear building at 80 per cent of the market rate in the area.

Affordable housing units make up more than half of the 102 apartments in the development, which has been developed by superannuation fund Aware Super (formerly First State Super).

Aware Super says the project will provide a good return for members while tackling the housing affordability issue. Inquiries: 1800 693 246 or email info@echorealty.com.au

The initiative comes as the spotlight is being put on affordable housing in the lead-up to the Sutherland Shire Council election.

An online forum will be held tonight (Tuesday, November 9) where candidates will have the opportunity to state their position.

The forum has been organised by the Sutherland group of the Sydney Alliance, consisting of members of religious and community groups.

An organiser, Barbara Moore said there was a desperate need for affordable housing in the shire and the council could play a major role, alongside the state government, in providing more.

"Between 2015 and 2020, Sutherland Shire Council approved 8486 dwellings for development and only 225 (2.6 per cent) were affordable housing," she said.

"In 2017, only 16 per cent of rental stock in the shire was affordable for very low and low income households, which was much lower than comparable council areas."

Under a state government policy, which the council implements, developers receive generous bonuses if they include an affordable housing component in multi-dwelling developments.

Ms Moore said the council could commit to a 10 per cent affordable rental housing target for all planning proposals, with higher rates where financially feasible, in the town centres of Engadine, Sutherland, Jannali, Gymea, Sylvania, Miranda, Caringbah and Cronulla.

In other parts of the shire, the target could be five per cent.

Ms Moore said more accountability in management was also needed, with the role performed by organisations such as St George Community Housing. At present, developers can set up their own management entity.

Earlier this year, the Leader reported cases in the shire of affordable housing, where development bonuses had been given, being rented at the market rate.

To attend the online council election forum, register via the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82428980708