Geelong leader call on state government to urgently deliver social housing

Geelong’s homelessness crisis is spiralling out of control. A state government vow to deliver infrastructure for Geelong, promised as part of the now-axed Games, is a real opportunity to tackle the issue. Is it enough?

‘Urgent’ call to fix Geelong’s housing crisis.

Geelong’s homelessness crisis is spiralling out of control, with the increasing cost of living stopping people from finding a place to live.

Leaders say social and affordable housing cannot be built quickly enough.

The state government vow to deliver infrastructure for Geelong, promised as part of the now-axed Commonwealth Games, is a real opportunity to tackle the issue.

But will it be enough? Luke Griffiths reports.

City leaders and support services are seeking clarity on the state government’s promise to build hundreds of homes in Geelong for some of the region’s most disadvantaged.

The $1 billion Regional Housing Fund is expected to deliver more than 1300 new homes in regional hubs that were to host Commonwealth Games events.

While it remains unclear exactly how many will be built in Geelong, the government says the homes will include a mix of social and affordable housing and Lazarus Community Centre general manager Jade Hamilton says they can’t be built quick enough.

“There is an urgency in building more social and affordable housing, certainly,” she says.

“Getting an answer from the government (on when) is exceptionally important, but while we’re waiting for those houses, what are we going to do to help those sleeping rough?”

Lazarus provides meals, hot showers, support and a sense of community for people facing homelessness in the Geelong region.

Ms Hamilton says a “vicious cycle” of homelessness was amplified when Covid hit, followed by a cost of living crisis that has seen many turn to sleeping rough.

Lazaruz boss Jade Hamilton with Bill and Adam. Picture: Alan Barber

“The cost of living is absolutely impeding people from finding a place to live,” she says.

“The median cost of rent shows that it is unviable for Centrelink recipients.”

The latest rental report found the median rent in Greater Geelong was $450 per week, above the regional Victoria figure of $420.

Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe filled three of the top six spots for local governments with the least amount of affordable dwellings available for rent.

A recent report from the Council to Homeless Persons found Geelong had some of the highest levels of homelessness in regional Victoria.

Grouped by state electorates, South Barwon ranked worst with 838 homeless people, while Lara (333) and Geelong (331) also fared badly.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman doubled as Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games until its cancellation on July 18.

Mr Cheeseman had lauded the legacy benefits the Games would bring to Geelong, singling out the Waurn Ponds village project.

Located within the South Barwon electorate nearby the Waurn Ponds train station, the village was to play home to 2500 athletes and officials in accommodation that would be made publicly available post-Games.

The government’s business case for the Games, released after a $380m penalty was settled with organisers, said “approximately 20 to 30 per cent of the accommodation will be converted into social and affordable housing stock” to support disadvantaged Victorians struggling to find a home.

“The accommodation will require minimum repurposing as the athlete requirements largely match the preferred social and affordable housing dwelling types,” the business case stated.

“This includes one and two bedroom dwellings which are typically in short supply in the private market in the regions.”

Athletes village concept images for the now scrapped 2026 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Supplied

It appears likely that the homes earmarked for Geelong will now be spread across the region, rather than concentrated solely in Waurn Ponds.

The government says it’s committed to working with councils and local communities to determine the right mix of stock and locations for each region.

“We know there’s no more important issue anywhere in the state right now than housing,” a spokesman said.

Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Deborah Di Natale says the construction of the homes is an important, albeit small step in tackling homelessness in Geelong.

“When the Commonwealth Games was cancelled, it was absolutely critical that social housing remained a big priority,” she says.

“We desperately need more social housing in Geelong – homelessness has been rising in the face of the most serious housing crisis in living memory.

“This is a great start but we need far more ambition on social housing if we’re going to address the crisis.”

It is estimated that 6000 social and affordable houses are needed to meet demand in the Geelong region.

A long-awaited 10-year strategy for social and affordable housing is expected to be released by the state government this year.

Three of Geelong’s most senior figures fronted a Senate inquiry this week that is investigating the cancellation of the Games.

Mayor Trent Sullivan, G21 chief Giulia Baggio and Committee for Geelong boss Michael Johnston all conceded they remain in the dark about specifics of the state government’s package.

Alongside other key stakeholders, the trio will meet with Victorian Regional Development Minister Harriet Shing in Geelong this Thursday, although no announcements are expected to be made on the day.

Mr Johnston says additional detail from the state government will be welcomed.

“How many of these houses will be built in Geelong? Where will they be built? How soon can they come online? Will Geelong businesses be utilised in delivering these new homes?” he says.

“We have the talent and capability here to deliver these homes, let’s use it.

“Without the need to build an interim Games village, we can get people into housing sooner.”

Mr Sullivan says the development of the Waurn Ponds site must be done as part of a wider, regional plan to deliver more social and affordable housing.

“We will continue to emphasise the need for more social and affordable housing and welcome the opportunity to work with the state, through regional partnerships and the community to ensure best outcomes for our people,” he says.

Acting chief executive of Victoria’s Community Housing Industry Association, Jess Pomeroy, understands the frustration stemming from a lack of detail from the government.

“But that demonstrates the government wants to work with Geelong and other regions to learn exactly what is needed, rather than just saying ‘this is what we’re going to do’,” she says.

Originally published as Geelong leader call on state government to urgently deliver social housing