The NSW Government is stepping up its campaign for the Kiama by-election with the announcement on Sunday that construction has begun on 60 new Build to Rent homes in Bomaderry.

Chris Minns launched Labor candidate Katelin McInerney's campaign on Thursday for the 13 September poll and the NSW Premier has returned to the region to spruik the Build to Rent project that was first promised at the 2023 election when he was Opposition Leader.

Minns said housing is the single largest cost of living pressure facing the people of NSW and this is particularly acute on the South Coast where in Bomaderry and Nowra, almost half of all households are experiencing rental stress.

He said this project would deliver a variety of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of local families, workers and residents looking to rent.

“These homes will be life changing, delivering secure and affordable homes for young people and families to rent.

“From new and upgraded schools and hospitals to this build to rent project – we’re building the infrastructure that the electorate of Kiama needs.”

“The cost of housing is one of the biggest cost of living pressures in our state right now - these much needed new homes will help address this while also creating local jobs on the South Coast.”

The project at 4 Bienda St, Bomaderry includes 48 homes for long term rental at market value and 12 which will be set aside for households on very low to moderate incomes.

“We live in the most beautiful part of the world but it’s getting harder and harder for the next generation to have the same chance we had to grow up here and now raise our family here," McInerney said.

“Projects like this that respect our pristine natural environment while providing much-needed affordable housing are critical if we want to continue to be able to deliver the new world-class services the Minns Labor Government are delivering like new and upgraded schools and hospitals.”

The apartments are conveniently located for future residents, situated close to Bomaderry railway station, with easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said more than a third of households rent in the Nowra-Bomaderry area.

"Build to Rent projects like this are vital to increase supply and provide better long-term housing choice in areas like Bomaderry that are already well connected to shops, transport, open space and other amenities," he said.

South Coast-based Zauner Construction has been contracted by the government to deliver these homes, creating more local jobs, with keys in doors expected by late next year.

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