Thousands on waitlist as more Geelong residents oppose social housing

A second group of Geelong residents has voiced anger over a proposed social housing development on their street as almost 4000 people are in limbo, desperate for a roof above their heads.

Another Geelong community is railing against social housing proposed for their suburb as thousands languish on the region’s waiting list.

Bell Post Hill residents are opposing a local social housing proposal from the City of Greater Geelong, days after it was revealed Belmont residents had rejected a proposed similar development.

The CoGG has proposed handing over three council-owned sites worth more than $3.6m for social housing developments – in Rollins Rd, Bell Post Hill; Purnell Rd, Corio; and Dean St, Belmont.

In the Barwon (Geelong) region, there were 3959 people on the Victorian Housing Register waiting list as at December, 2021.

Advocates say more social housing is needed as the region battles housing affordability woes, but residents near proposed sites are concerned about perceived potential issues.

Bell Post Hill residents are angry at a proposed social housing development for their street, citing concerns about the increased traffic, which is already heavy at peak times due to schools in the area. Picture: Mark Wilson

Bell Post Hill resident Sharon Grace said she and husband Geoff “strongly oppose” a proposed development next door to their property.

Mrs Grace said had concerns about traffic and the loss of trees she said had been standing for for more than 60 years, and feared the devaluation of homes near the site.

“Who wants to buy in an area where there’s social housing?” she said.

“People nearby are already thinking of selling if this goes ahead.

“We probably will too. It’d be shocking.”

But Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Jenny Smith said social housing had no impact on property values, as housing prices soared over the past year.

“There is no one type of person who lives in social housing,” she said.

“It may be low-income working families, older people who have been squeezed out of the rental market, women and children who have escaped a violent home, and people who may have a low income because of disability or illness that makes it more difficult to have a well-paid job.”

With two-thirds of renters in the area struggling with paying rent, it was likely the true need for social housing was much higher than just those on the waiting list, Ms Smith said.

“Social housing means locals from Geelong and the Surf Coast on our lowest incomes, could have a home they can afford, and wouldn’t face being priced out,” she said.

Geelong council community life director Robyn Stevens said: “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.”

Of 439 submissions to the council on the matter, 196 related to the Bell Post Hill site, while 289 and 136 referenced the Belmont and Corio sites respectively, with some crossover.

Feedback can be given to the council at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/socialhousing

Originally published as Thousands on waitlist as more Geelong residents oppose social housing