THE Victorian government’s new $23.6 million St Albans social housing project is officially open and set to provide stable long-term housing for women in need.
The site previously occupied by a single three-bedroom home has been redeveloped into 53 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for as many as 100 individuals, including First Nations women and women escaping family violence.
“We’re continuing our work to provide housing, care and services to people most in need, including First Nations women and survivors of family violence,” said Harriet Shing, minister for housing, who was onsite to officially open the complex.
The homes have been designed to meet the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines and have a minimum seven-star energy rating, which will support residents in reducing power consumption and saving on bills.
Women’s Housing Limited, a community housing agency specialising in providing housing and services to vulnerable women, will own and will manage the accommodation.
The housing was delivered in partnership with the state government and created 210 jobs throughout construction.
“There’s nothing more important than making sure everyone has a home, so it’s wonderful to be able to deliver housing for women who need it most, right here in St Albans,” said Natalie Suleyman, member for St Albans.
The Victorian government is delivering 12,000 new social and affordable homes, with more than 3,000 new homes already completed, and a further 4,600 homes underway under its landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.
This as the number of social housing applications across the state had grown to 67,985 as of March this year, according to Home Victoria. While latest data from Council to Homeless Persons shows Victoria has the lowest social housing stock in Australia.
