Public housing at East Geelong to undergo $21 million upgrade
Almost 30 public houses will be built at East Geelong under a $21m pledge from the state government that will upgrade an ageing 18-home block.
Geelong
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Almost 30 public houses will be built or refurbished at East Geelong under a $21m pledge from the state government that will upgrade an ageing 18-home block.
The public housing at Ormond Rd will provide 27 homes for vulnerable people including
women and children escaping family violence and Aboriginal Victorians when construction is completed by 2024.
The homes are a part of the state government’s $5.3bn public housing program that will see hundreds of new homes built statewide with a minimum of $180m to be spent in the Geelong region.
Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the East Geelong project would support 194 local jobs and provide more affordable rental properties.
“The development will provide more social and affordable housing for those who need it most, which is great news for the Geelong community,” Mr Wynne said.
“The announcement of funding for the Ormond Road housing precinct is an important milestone in this incredible investment in new homes across the state.
“Our Big Housing Build is providing a roof over their head for Victorians who need it and create thousands of local jobs, supporting our state’s economic recovery.”
Geelong MP Christine Couzens said: “This investment will make a real difference, providing people with the safety and security of social and affordable housing and helping build a strong local community.”
Mr Wynne said consultation on the East Geelong site’s master plan with current residents and other key stakeholders had started and construction was anticipated to be completed by 2024.
The Andrews’ Government public housing spend is set to boost social housing by 10 per cent across the next four years, delivering 9300 new housing homes across regional and metropolitan areas — including replacing 1100 old public housing units.
Last month the Geelong Advertiser reported thousands of Geelong residents were desperately waiting to be placed in public housing while nearly 100 state-owned properties stood vacant.
There are 3272 state-owned public houses in greater Geelong, but 93 of them are vacant because the property is either undergoing maintenance or is pegged for upgrades or redevelopment.
Victorian Housing Register data showed 2775 people were on the priority waiting list for social housing, as of September, in the Barwon South West region.
The total number of applicants listed on the region’s social housing register in September was 3857.
Originally published as Public housing at East Geelong to undergo $21 million upgrade
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