Guy Barnett unveils social housing development at East Devonport

A new 15-unit development at East Devonport, completed by Housing Choices Tasmania, was unveiled on Saturday.

The $6 million project includes 10 social housing homes and five accommodation units for people with disabilities.

Housing Minister Guy Barnett said the development was a significant step forward for the region.

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"These homes, together with hundreds more being built or acquired through Homes Tasmania, will go a long way to easing the pressure on Housing Register applicants who are seeking a home in the North-West," he said.

"These social housing units in East Devonport are an equal mix of two and three bedrooms and will provide quality homes for 10 families.

"Importantly, these units have all been built to the silver level of the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines, which ensures future flexibility and adaptability to allow the residents to remain in place longer term.

"The five disability units have been designed to meet the NDIS Supported Disability Accommodation Design Standard, which means those residents will be able to receive the level of care and support they need and deserve."

Mr Barnett said that the Devonport City Council gifted land on Tarleton Street to disability service provider Possability, who worked with Housing Choices Tasmania to deliver the five units.

"This site is a great example of how all levels of government and the community service sector can work together to deliver an amazing result for our vulnerable residents," Minister Barnett said.

"Our partnership with community housing providers, such as Housing Choices Tasmania, is delivering more properties and providing more homes for Tasmanians in need around the state."

Housing Choices Tasmania general manager Kim Bomford said that the houses at the site were ready to be filled with occupants.

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"In another couple of days, we'll be handing it over, and we're looking forward to actually tenanting these units with, no doubt, people who will be very excited who will be able to move into long-term secure and affordable homes from which they can build their lives," she said.

Labor Senator Anne Urquhart was also at the unveiling of the development on behalf of federal Housing Minister Julie Collins.

"One of the things that I think is important is that people have a roof over their head and a home to go to every night," said Senator Urquhart.

"It's something that we're not all lucky enough to have, and I think it's something that we all should expect, so things like this make that happen for people."

In addition to the new units at East Devonport, Housing Choices Tasmania is currently building a 50-unit development in Wynyard, 48 new homes at West Ulverstone, 16 units in Burnie, and a 10-unit development at Latrobe.

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