- Published:
- Friday 26 July 2024
The Allan Labor Government continues to deliver much-needed social and affordable housing right across Victoria – with the newest residential construction project in Geelong now complete.
Minister for Housing Harriet Shing today visited Belmont to unveil the 26-home social housing development, which was built under the landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build. The new one and two-bedroom homes will be modern and energy efficient, meaning renters will keep warm in winter and cool in summer.
This development – a partnership between Homes Victoria and Housing Choices Australia – will house people on the Victorian Housing Register, including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, aged and disability pensioners, and women and children escaping family violence.
The homes are close to the Barwon River walking track, public transport, local schools, and shops, giving renters access to the services they need.
Since the Labor Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build started in November 2020, more than 9,600 homes have been completed or are underway. We are on track to deliver more than 12,000 much-needed new social and affordable homes and create more than 40,000 jobs in construction.
At least $1.25 billion of the Big Housing Build is being invested in regional Victoria. In addition to this, the Labor Government’s new $1 billion Regional Housing Fund will deliver more than 1,300 new social and affordable homes across regional Victoria.
In City of Greater Geelong, more than $200 million has been invested through the Big Housing Build and other social housing programs to build 563 new homes, 341 of which have already been completed.
We’re also providing a further 4,000 new, energy efficient social homes through programs such as the Public Housing Renewal Program, and through the Commonwealth Government’s Social Housing Accelerator fund, we’ll build another 769 homes.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Harriet Shing
“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and our $5.3 billion Big Housing Build is delivering new homes that will make a profound difference across the state – helping Victorians establish a stable, secure foundation for their lives.”
“We are making record investments in regional Victoria through the Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund, with at least $2.25 billion to address the growing demand for housing where it’s needed and creating thousands of local jobs in the process.”
Quote attributable to member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"With this new development we're building a stronger, more inclusive community. Having a home is a basic need to having a stable life."