Social Housing Building Boom
The Victorian State Government says it is delivering more homes and jobs across Victoria as housing upgrades and construction ramp up under a statewide housing building blitz.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne today announced $80 million for rapid response housing projects, delivering at least 239 new homes across Victoria. Mr Wynne told reporters, “We’re changing lives with our unprecedented investment in safe and secure housing – not only putting a roof over people’s heads but creating thousands of jobs as we rebuild from coronavirus.”
The investment is bringing shovel ready projects online ensuring the much-needed new homes are rapidly available for Victorians experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The funding includes a $20 million investment to build 74 new social and affordable homes in Werribee, located close to community infrastructure including public transport and the Werribee Employment Precinct. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said, “This project is providing new homes for people in our community and creating local jobs – and will provide a big boost for local businesses in Werribee.”
The 28 one bedroom and 46 two bedroom sustainable apartments will provide residents with comfortable and cost-effective homes, that are easier to cool in summer and keep warm in winter.
Construction of the $30 million project will commence in late April, creating 50 new local construction jobs. The project is set to be complete by mid-2022.
Unison, who will manage the homes, has contributed $10 million towards the project and has partnered with Jesuit Social Services, Bolton Clarke’s Homeless Person’s Program and the Wyndham Health Housing and Homelessness (H3) Alliance to ensure the future residents will have the support services they need.
Other projects funded under the rapid response housing program include a $6.5 million autistic student, respite, crisis and permanent residential care hub in Mansfield and $3.5 million for safe and stable housing for young people across Victoria.
The rapid response housing projects are part of the Labor Government’s record investment in social housing, creating thousands of jobs across Victoria. This includes the Victorian Social Housing Growth Fund, the 1000 Homes program and nearly $500 million for public and community housing initiatives.
This is in addition to Victoria’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the largest investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history, delivering more than 12,000 new homes. This historic investment will boost Victoria’s social housing supply by 10 per cent, while creating 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.