The federal and New South Wales governments have announced a major joint initiative with 22 community housing providers to upgrade more than 2,300 social housing homes across New South Wales, making them cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and better for the environment.
Nearly $18 million in joint funding from the Australian and NSW governments and community housing providers has been committed to the program, which will deliver rooftop solar, reverse-cycle air conditioning, energy-efficient hot water systems, ceiling insulation, shading, draught proofing, LED lighting and ceiling fans.
The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and form part of a broader $175 million joint program that will improve around 24,000 social housing homes by mid-2027.
Already, more than 2,000 homes have received upgrades in the program’s first year.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said the initiative would lock in long-term savings for households.
“Upgrading solar and energy efficiency in social housing is all about lasting cost-of-living relief that makes houses cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in, as well as cutting emissions,” said Bowen.
“Cooler homes in the hot months and warmer homes in winter lock in lasting bill relief and protection from international energy price spikes.”
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, highlighted the benefits for communities.
“These renewable and smart energy upgrades will bring welcome energy bill relief for community housing residents, improve the liveability of their homes, and enable broader participation in the emissions reduction task as our country accelerates the clean energy transition.”
NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said the partnership would improve the liveability of thousands of homes across the state.
“Thousands of community housing residents will benefit from lower bills, more comfortable homes and a reduced carbon footprint thanks to these upgrades.
“Partnering with the Albanese government means renewable energy and smart features are accessible to everyone in NSW.”
NSW Housing Minister, Rose Jackson, said the initiative would improve housing standards while tackling climate change.
“This is direct action to help people who need it most,” said Jackson.
“We are upgrading homes so they cost less to run, are more comfortable to live in, and help tackle climate change.
“People in social housing deserve homes that are safe, liveable and energy-efficient.
“These upgrades are about cutting bills, cutting emissions, and delivering a better quality of life.”
Community housing providers receiving funding include large organisations such as Home in Place ($3 million), Uniting NSW ACT ($1.75 million) and Argyle Housing ($1.74 million), alongside smaller providers like Bonnie Support Services Ltd ($101,840) and Habilis Housing Ltd ($50,000). In total, 22 organisations will deliver upgrades under the program.
The initiative builds on the NSW government’s broader $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the state’s largest-ever investment in housing.