- Published:
- Thursday 16 September 2021
The Victorian Government is delivering the largest ever investment in housing across regional Victoria, ensuring those who need it most have a safe and secure place to call home in their local community.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne today announced at least 120 social, affordable and private homes will be built in Bendigo – creating 117 direct and 410 indirect local jobs.
The project will transform this neighbourhood in the heart of Eaglehawk with modern housing, new pedestrian and vehicle connections and better public spaces. It will also provide affordable housing options for key workforces including health, aged and disability care, along with education and emergency services.
Construction of the $47 million project will start next year, replacing 64 existing ageing homes in Eaglehawk – delivering much-needed new social and affordable housing in Bendigo.
The Government will work closely with any residents who need to temporarily relocate to understand their needs, find a suitable home and assist their relocation while the works are being completed. Current residents will have the first option to return to the new homes once they are completed.
The Government’s historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build is delivering more than 12,000 new homes – boosting Victoria’s social housing supply by 10 per cent – while generating 10,000 jobs each year over the four year program.
The Big Housing Build is investing $1.25 billion in regional areas – ensuring the economic and social benefits of the program are felt in communities across the state. A minimum of $85 million will be invested in the Bendigo area.
The Eaglehawk site adds to Big Housing Build projects already underway in Ascot Vale, Ashburton, Collingwood, Flemington, Hawthorn, Richmond, South Yarra, West Heidelberg and Ballarat which will deliver more than 1,630 homes and create more than 6,450 jobs.
Additionally, the Government has invested almost $740 million of 89 social housing projects across Victoria – including 120 new homes across four projects in Greater Bendigo worth $38.2 million, creating hundreds of jobs.
Residents can have a say in the development master plan at engage.vic.gov.au/virginia-hill-eaglehawk-housing.
Quote attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“We’re making sure regional Victoria shares the benefit of our record $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the largest single investment in social and affordable housing by any government in Australia’s history.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“It’s so exciting to see plans for new modern, comfortable housing in the heart of Eaglehawk that will cater to health, aged and disability care workers, and those who need it most.”