This program was introduced in the Federal government budget of 1992. The program replaced the Local Government and Community Housing Program (LGCHP) which had been providing funding for the purpose of community housing since 1984. The CHP, a federal government program administered by the NSW Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning, is aimed at developing a viable community housing sector that provides housing for low to moderate income earners. The Program places importance on allowing tenants an opportunity to maximise control over their housing.

In the 1994/95 financial year there is approximately $61 million available nationally through the CHP and approximately $11 million available for NSW. The CHP funds housing co-operatives, housing associations, local governments and other community housing providers; and provides funding for the resource workers that provide training and support for these groups. Over 130 groups have received funding through the CHP and the LGCHP in the past.

The Co-operative Housing Program is a state government program that provides funding to established common equity rental housing co-ops that have received funding through other community housing programs. The program was started in 1990 with the aim of funding the expansion of housing co-ops to ensure their viability, and to encourage an organised housing co-op sector in NSW. Housing co-ops funded under this program house low to middle income earners. A distinctive and central feature of housing co-ops is the high level of control co-op members have over their housing. The program also funds the Queensland Community Housing Coalition as the peak body for housing co-ops in NSW.

Generally there is $5 Million available each financial year under the Co- operative Housing Program. In the 1995/96 year there will be approximately $5.9 Million for purchase and construction, as well as additional funds for special consolidation grants. There have been 30 co-ops that have received funding through this program in the past.

The Community Housing Partnership Program is a state government program that aims to assist local communities and providers in the provision of housing to low to moderate income earners. The program is a joint venture program" which means that the groups applying, generally provide the land and a percentage of construction costs (approximately 10) with the program providing the remainder of the construction costs. The program is aimed at providing housing to people with disabilities, single people and elderly people. The program began in 1988/89 and has funded over 250 local authorities, housing co-ops, and other community organisations.

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