THE Victorian government has allocated more than $17 million to build 55 new social homes across the state’s regions, adding much needed supply to Victoria’s social housing stock.
The investment is part of the government’s Social Housing Growth Fund, a program set up to provide housing and a stable foundation for thousands of Victorians throughout the state.
The grants will deliver social and affordable housing in regional Victoria, in response to rising populations in Victoria’s growth areas while establishing more housing to support employment growth in regional towns and cities.
The funding is part of the government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, with $1.25 billion dedicated to regional Victoria.
“The Big Housing Build is a historic investment in housing and a historic investment in regional Victoria – these projects give more people a place to live and a foundation to build a better life,” said Daniel Andrews, premier.
“We know there’s demand for social and affordable housing in regional Victoria and that’s why we’re getting on with the job and delivering these new homes.”
Victoria saw a 5.3% increase in the use of homelessness services between December and March, according to Homelessness Australia.
While the latest data from Council to Homeless Persons revealed Victoria has the lowest social housing stock in the country by a significant margin.
This latest round of funding will be spread across seven local government areas, with nine new housing projects to be built across Wodonga, Latrobe, Mildura, Moira, Alpine, Indigo and Hepburn.
The project sites have been chosen because they have the most critical demand and are close to services residents will need, with work to start through the remainder of 2023 as planning and other approvals are obtained.
With the Bendigo site being delivered in a partnership between the government and Haven Foundation to provide long-term social housing and support services for people with mental health concerns and set to be complete in the coming weeks.
“As Bendigo continues to grow, we need more social and affordable housing where people want to live – that’s why we’re delivering more homes in Bendigo and its surrounds,” said Jacinta Allan, member for Bendigo East.
“This housing is crucial to Bendigo – it will help local people get into safe and comfortable housing and get back on their feet,” added Maree Edwards, member for Bendigo West.
The funding comes after $219 million and 683 new homes invested in regional social housing projects in 2022 by the state government.
With the state government announcing it would put the $1 billion towards delivering 1,300 new homes across the state’s regions in the wake of pulling the plug on the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
