Tolland residents says housing plan will not fix suburb's anti-social behaviour problems

Resident Kevin Wales has lived in the suburb for 37 years. But the former top cop and mayor of Wagga said the efforts and money injected into rebuilding homes in the area will be all for nothing if the anti-social behaviour is not stamped out.

It was announced on Tuesday that Tolland will be the first precinct marked for the state government's regional renewal project, which plans to redevelop social, affordable and private homes in the suburb.

Housing and Property Minister Melinda Pavey called on the community housing sector to express interest in transforming the suburb into a vibrant, progressive housing precinct.

However, Mr Wales said the transformation would achieve little unless some people living in Tolland stopped the anti-social behaviour, including setting fires, fighting and destroying property.

He said authorities first need to focus on a solution that fixed the root of the problem before improving the rundown appearance of homes.

"I don't think that it's impossible, but it is going to be hard because they are so used to burning rubbish bins," he said.

"The community in the housing commission area need to stand up and report crimes when they happen so police can do there job."

Ms Pavey said the goal of the project was to revitalise a suburb where its homes were modern and fit-for-purpose.

She said a partnership will be required by all players, including tenants, buyers, landlords and community housing providers.

"We will ensure that we have contracts in place to maintain the properties and ensure tenants are upholding their end of the bargain and that is what the community housing sector is good at," she said.

"I think having a supportive community changes some of those attitudes, having more jobs available, having the community more engaged with their neighbours can all add to improve the situation of social behaviours.

"If you can have a newer stock and a different mix of people that can improve the situation."

Wagga councillor Dan Hayes said he was "shockingly disappointed and infuriated" by the "empty announcement" after the city has begged the state government for years to help in regard to social housing and addressing social disadvantage.

"This was an opportunity for the NSW government to support community members in need and provide an economic stimulus for the area through construction, but they have failed," he said.