- Published:
- Sunday 15 November 2020
The Victorian Government is boosting the quality and supply of housing for Aboriginal Victorians as it ramps up its unprecedented social housing reform.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today named the organisations that will oversee $35 million in repairs, refurbishments and new builds for Aboriginal communities as announced in May this year.
That’s in addition to the historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build just announced, which will deliver more than 12,000 new homes across the state to boost Victoria’s social housing supply by 10 per cent in four years.
In keeping with self-determination of Aboriginal Victorians, the $35 million package will be delivered by a consortium of 18 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) led by Aboriginal Housing Victoria.
Aboriginal Housing Victoria and other ACCOs have worked together to rapidly identify local housing priorities and a significant pipeline of works across Victoria that can start immediately.
Works include over 30 studios or refurbished homes, substantial upgrades to 400 dwellings and improvements to hundreds more - including heating and cooling upgrades to improve household energy efficiency.
The $35 million boost is part of the Labor Government’s $498 million maintenance and upgrades blitz announced in May to deliver better homes and more jobs as we take safe and steady steps to reopen the state.
The investment will strengthen the Aboriginal Housing Sector’s capacity to manage and develop its housing stock and provide some 2,000 Aboriginal households with modern housing that supports their social, cultural, health and economic prosperity. The package will also support the long-term sustainability of the Aboriginal housing sector and generate jobs and skills for Aboriginal people and businesses throughout the state.
This investment builds on existing initiatives – including $5.3 million to support the implementation of Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework (Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort).
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“These projects mark another big step toward embedding self-determination into the Aboriginal housing sector while doing the vital work of providing a roof and a sense of security for those who need it most.
“Now, more than ever, ‘home’ means stability – and staying safe. These projects are providing new and improved housing for Aboriginal Victorians and local employment for businesses hit hard by coronavirus.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“Housing is the foundation of a good life. These projects will ensure Victorians – including Aboriginal Victorians who need support – will have the stability of a safe and secure home so they can get ahead and thrive.”
“We’re improving the lives and livelihoods of Victorians across the state through local jobs and new and improved accommodation, so they can live a life they value.”