FAQs
Where is the land?
15 Hill Street, Uralla – behind the Post Office. It currently includes four older aged-care units and a vacant parcel at the rear.
Why has Council chosen to transfer it to Homes North?
Homes North is a Tier 1 not-for-profit provider with the experience, governance, and resources to deliver and manage affordable housing. Council does not have this capacity.
Could Council have done the development itself?
This option was explored but was not recommended. Council lacks the funding, risk appetite, and operational capacity required to deliver a complex multi-unit housing project.
Who’s paying for this?
Council is contributing the land, and ACEN Australia is supporting early planning work. Homes North will invest some of their own funding, but for the development to go ahead, they’ll need to secure a grant from the State or Commonwealth, such as through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
What kind of housing will be built?
The final design has yet to be determined, but Council anticipates a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom units for people on low to moderate incomes, including essential workers, older residents, and people experiencing housing stress. The site is in a heritage area, so the design and building materials will need to fit in with the look and feel of nearby buildings—especially the Post Office.
Who will live there?
Eligibility will prioritise low to moderate income essential workers, the tenants of the existing units, and eligible elderly residents as set out in the Allocation Strategy. Priority will be given to people with strong connections to Uralla through residency, employment or family.
Will Council and the community have a say about the development?
Council has already decided to partner with Homes NSW and Homes North to deliver more affordable housing on the Hill Street site. From here, community voices will be included through the Project Advisory Committee, which is being established to provide a structured way for local perspectives to shape the project.
The Advisory Committee will bring together a mix of representatives — including Councillors, immediate neighbours, a local service provider, Homes North’s CEO, and the Council project team. While it will not make formal decisions, the Committee will provide advice and feedback on design principles, neighbourhood impacts, and community engagement, ensuring local views are considered as the project moves forward.
How can I put myself forward for the Project Advisory Committee?
At this stage, Council and Homes North are inviting feedback on the draft Terms of Reference for the Committee. Once the exhibition period closes, submissions will be considered, and a report will be made to Council.
After that, Council will appoint its Councillor delegates and extend invitations to existing tenants, near neighbours of the Hill Street site, and local community service providers to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Nominations will then be reviewed, and the final membership confirmed by the Project Steering Group (Uralla Shire Council, Homes North, and Homes NSW).
What is ACEN’s role?
ACEN Australia is contributing $65,000 to support planning and development application costs. They see this project as part of their regional social investment.
What’s next?
Planning and design will begin in 2025. Homes North will seek State or Commonwealth funding. Council will remain involved through a steering group.