Gunnedah crisis house build exceeds government funds

Jobs Australia is finalising a contract with Tamworth-based GJ Gardner Homes for the build, which will cost $244,922.

A new build wasn't part of Jobs Australia's original plans for the domestic and family violence accommodation, but the final cost of renovating the house on the block was more than expected.

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The change in plan means there is a $48,000 "gap" between the $196,314 from the state government's for the renovations and the cost of the new house.

"GJ are fairly philanthropic and are helping with the costings as much as they can ... [but] we're still going to have to raise funds now we've got the gap between renovations and the new build," Jobs Australia's Tracey Reid said.

Ms Reid said COVID-19 had put a stop to Gunnedah Community Action Team's (GCAT) original fundraising ideas so the company is seeking sponsors and partnerships with community organisations and businesses.

"Jobs Australia is more than happy to pay that extra money but it has the ongoing costs of the house so as much fundraising and support I can get for Jobs Australia, I will," she said.

Ms Reid said a contractor would demolish the existing house in the coming weeks and then GJ can start the build.

"We're talking about a six-month turnaround for it," she said.

The house will include three bedrooms, two bathrooms (one is an ensuite), an open plan living area, and security fencing, screens and cameras.

A double garage will be constructed out the back, separate from the house, to bring down costs.

Jobs Australia started working on the concept of crisis accommodation in March 2019 and gathered 500 signatures and 25 letters of support for the project.