Construction has begun on a series of new social housing developments in the regional New South Wales city of Goulburn, with a total of 55 homes planned as part of the state government’s broader effort to expand housing supply across regional communities.
The projects form part of the Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which aims to deliver 8,400 new social homes across the state while upgrading tens of thousands of existing properties. Officials say the investment represents the largest social housing commitment in New South Wales history.
Goulburn, located approximately 200 kilometres south-west of Sydney in the Southern Tablelands, is the latest regional centre to benefit from the initiative, reflecting a wider push to address housing shortages outside major metropolitan areas.
Multiple Projects Underway Across the City
The largest of the new developments in Goulburn will deliver 29 social homes across Francis Street and Sanita Street. The project will include a mix of 18 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom units, designed to accommodate a range of household needs.
Two of the homes will be fully adaptable properties, built to support residents with disability or mobility challenges. The development is expected to house around 50 residents once completed, providing secure accommodation for people who might otherwise struggle to access stable housing.
In addition to the Francis Street and Sanita Street project, construction is also progressing on another 12 social homes across multiple sites throughout Goulburn. These dwellings are currently on track for completion by May 2026, and are expected to accommodate around 20 additional residents.
Together with previously announced housing projects in the area, the developments will bring the total number of new social homes delivered or underway in Goulburn to 55 properties.
The projects are being delivered as part of the state government’s wider regional housing expansion, which has already seen significant activity across New South Wales over the past three years.
Regional Housing Delivery Accelerates
Since April 2023, the NSW Government reports that 1,372 new social homes have been delivered across regional New South Wales, spanning communities from the North Coast to the South Coast and across inland regions.
The regional distribution of these new homes highlights the breadth of the state’s housing rollout:
- Western NSW: 497 homes delivered
- South Coast: 335 homes
- North Coast: 275 homes
- New England and North West: 96 homes
- Hunter: 87 homes
- Central Coast: 82 homes
Government officials say the regional focus reflects growing pressure on housing markets outside capital cities, where population growth, rising rents and limited supply have increasingly affected local residents.
Regional centres such as Goulburn have experienced strong demand for housing in recent years, partly driven by migration from larger cities and improved transport connections that allow residents to commute or work remotely.
Addressing Housing Pressure in Regional Communities
Housing affordability and availability have become a key issue across much of regional Australia. In many communities, the supply of social housing has struggled to keep pace with demand, leaving vulnerable residents facing long waiting lists or unstable accommodation.
The expansion of social housing is intended to address this gap by providing secure homes for people on lower incomes, including seniors, people living with disability, and individuals or families experiencing housing stress.
Supporters of the program argue that expanding social housing not only helps vulnerable residents but also supports broader community stability.
Regional New South Wales Minister Tara Moriarty said investment in housing infrastructure can deliver multiple economic and social benefits.
According to Moriarty, new housing developments help strengthen regional communities by supporting local employment and allowing residents to remain connected to the places they live and work.
“Investing in social housing strengthens regional communities, supports local jobs and ensures people can stay connected to the places they call home,” she said.
Moriarty also emphasised that regional residents should have access to the same housing opportunities as those living in metropolitan areas.
“People in regional NSW deserve the same access to secure, high-quality housing as anybody else, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering in Goulburn,” she said.
Economic Benefits for Local Construction
Large-scale housing programs also create significant opportunities for local construction industries.
Social housing projects typically involve a wide range of contractors and suppliers, including builders, tradespeople, engineers and project managers. As a result, housing investment can provide a steady pipeline of work for regional construction businesses.
For communities such as Goulburn, where construction is an important local industry, these projects can help support employment and stimulate economic activity.
Government housing programs also tend to emphasise modern building standards and accessibility features, which can encourage innovation in design and construction methods.
Many newer social housing developments incorporate improved energy efficiency, adaptable living spaces and communal areas designed to foster community interaction among residents.
Housing Demand Remains a National Challenge
The expansion of social housing in Goulburn forms part of a broader national discussion about housing supply and affordability.
Across Australia, governments at both state and federal levels are facing growing pressure to increase housing construction to address population growth and rising property prices.
Regional communities have not been immune to these pressures. While housing costs in smaller cities have historically been lower than in major capitals, demand has increased significantly in recent years.
This has been driven by a combination of factors, including migration from urban centres, changing work patterns and population growth.
For many regional residents, the shortage of affordable housing has become a major concern.
Social housing programs aim to provide one part of the solution, particularly for households unable to access the private rental or property markets.
However, housing experts generally agree that increasing overall housing supply, including private and affordable developments, will be essential to address long-term demand.
A Long-Term Housing Strategy
The Building Homes for NSW program is designed as a multi-year initiative aimed at significantly expanding the state’s social housing stock.
In addition to delivering 8,400 new homes, the program also includes plans to upgrade approximately 30,000 existing social housing properties, improving living conditions for current tenants while increasing overall capacity.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the government is committed to ensuring the benefits of the program are distributed across the entire state, including regional communities.
“We’re investing more money into social housing than ever before, but it’s important that investment is spread right across our state, including in our regions,” she said.
Jackson acknowledged that regional housing markets are experiencing many of the same pressures seen in major cities.
“We know regional communities are struggling just as much with rising house prices and we are committed to building more homes in all corners of New South Wales,” she said.
She added that each completed home represents progress toward improving housing accessibility and stability.
“Every new home completed is a significant step towards a fairer, more inclusive state where everyone has the dignity of having access to safe, secure and affordable housing.”
Looking Ahead
Construction timelines for the new Goulburn projects are expected to extend into 2026 as building work continues across multiple sites.
Once completed, the 55 homes will contribute to the expanding regional housing network being developed across New South Wales.
While the broader housing crisis remains a complex challenge requiring coordinated policy, planning and industry involvement, projects like those underway in Goulburn represent a tangible step toward increasing supply.
As governments continue to invest in housing infrastructure, regional communities are likely to play an increasingly important role in Australia’s evolving housing landscape.
For residents of Goulburn, the new developments promise to provide stable accommodation for dozens of households, while also contributing to the region’s economic and social vitality.
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