‘Inappropriate’: Belmont residents against proposed social housing development

Residents near land proposed to be used for social housing have labelled the development “inappropriate”. Here’s what they want instead.

Angry Belmont residents are rallying against a council proposal to transfer unused land for future social housing to address the need in the community.

Land on Dean St, Belmont has been flagged by the City of Greater Geelong as a suitable site for social housing, however residents in the surrounding area say this use is “inappropriate”.

Two other sites, in Corio and Bell Post Hill, were also identified as suitable for developments.

The council noted a one hundred dwellings feasibility study, and endorsed community engagement on the proposed use of the three properties at a February 22 meeting.

Resident Katherine Talbot said while residents aren’t against social housing being developed, they thought the space on Dean St could be better utilised as public open space.

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“We’re not opposed to social housing, but it’s an inappropriate use of the land there,” Ms Talbot said.

“We have absolutely zero public open space in Belmont.”

There is a community hall on the land, slated for demolition, which a scout group and karate studio has used until recently when the lease was “discontinued”.

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Ms Talbot said she wants to see the hall used for community activities, such as a community garden, men’s shed, or mothers groups – amenities “greatly lacking” at present.

“It would be a great loss to the community and future generations if this site was developed as planned,” Ms Talbot said.

“We would be left with two house block sized, basic playgrounds, if the land was taken from the community.

“Given Belmont has one of the largest numbers of young families in the area it is a decision that shocks us all and is in direct contrast to Victorian Open Space and Planning Policies.”

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City of Greater Geelong community life director Robyn Stevens said to date, the council has received over 400 submissions in regards to the proposed developments, including 259 concerning the Belmont site.

She said the land on Dean St is “not a park” and is currently classified as a residential zone.

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Ms Stevens said the need for social housing in the community continues to grow.

“As more and more people on low to middle incomes are being left behind by rising rents and house prices, the need for social housing in Geelong has never been greater,” Ms Stevens said.

“In Greater Geelong there are 3300 households living in social housing.

“However, around 10,000 households need social housing, and this is expected to grow to nearly 17,000 households by 2041.”

Public feedback is open until April 6.

“We strongly encourage community members to share their experiences and thoughts on how we can make sure housing is available for our most vulnerable community members, as well as the suitability of the proposed sites,” Ms Stevens said.

Originally published as ‘Inappropriate’: Belmont residents against proposed social housing development