The state government is urging Newcastle Council to stop delaying the construction of affordable housing units along part of the former heavy rail corridor.
A rezoning application is still in the pipeline, yet council wants more studies to be carried out on the viability and suitability of the proposal to build 30 units for key workers in the CBD.
$7-million dollars in funding has been made available, including $3-million being held on council's behalf by the Hunter Development Corporation.
The state government is contributing the land, valued at $1-million towards the project which will occupy a section of the former rail corridor from Merewether Street to the former Civic Station.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says council has had $3-million set aside for nearly two decades for a project such as this.
"So there is really now no reason for delay...here you have a project which is just about shovel-ready to go, so we need you (the Council) to get on with the planning, we need you to get on with the corridor rezoning and deliver for the people of Newcastle," he said.
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| Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald. Photo: Ian Crouch |
