THE Victorian government has detailed their new $1 billion into the Regional Housing Fund as part its $2 billion package to ensure the regions still receive the benefits promised from hosting the Commonwealth Games.
Announced earlier this week, the $1 billion fund will include the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, which will provide new options for communities where key workers are struggling to find suitable affordable housing.
The government is set to consult regional employers, workers, housing providers and councils on the program design.
The government will also ask some organisations to provide matched funding contributions for their projects, with other organisations’ projects to be entirely funded by grants.
The government has committed to building at least 1,300 new social and affordable homes across regional Victoria.
“Nothing is more important than finding your own home and this package is delivering real and lasting benefits to Victorians by helping more of them live where they want to live,” said Daniel Andrew, premier.
“This is about celebrating what our great state has to offer and we’ll work with the regions to get the best outcomes for them – with the greatest benefit.”
To ensure Victoria’s regions don’t miss out on the other long term benefits the games would have brought, the government is also investing $150 million towards the Regional Tourism and Events Fund, which includes $60 million for Regional Tourism Infrastructure and an extra $70 million in Visit Victoria.
Additionally, $10 million will be invested into growing the state’s food and fibre exports, to support primary producers.
While $5 million will be invested into Regional Tourism Industry Development and $5 million for Regional Multi-Cultural Festivals.
To honour the contribution of Traditional Owners were making to the games, the new $20 million Aboriginal Economic Development Fund has been set up to support Aboriginal business and employment programs and support Aboriginal cultural tourism initiatives.
$10 million will be invested in Tiny Towns to support projects to deliver better public places and spaces to smaller Victorian cities and $24 million for a Council Support Package so councils can still deliver their planned revitalisation and other projects.
As far as the promised sports facilities and programs are concerned, $60 million Regional Community Sport Development Fund has been established, which includes the $35 million for Regional Community Sport Infrastructure and $25 million to deliver Community Sport Programs.
Across the span of these projects around 3,000 jobs will be created around the state.
