Australia's Affordable Housing Project in Victoria to Build 2,300 Homes

The first funds have been allocated for a multi-million dollar spend on social housing in Victoria. Dubbed the Big Housing Build, the first round of funding will see $738 million invested in 89 projects. More than 2,300 new homes will be built, with the bulk to be rea

BY Realty Plus
Published - Saturday, 11 Sep, 2021

Australia's Affordable Housing Project in Victoria to Build 2,300 Homes

The first funds have been allocated for a multi-million dollar spend on social housing in Victoria. Dubbed the Big Housing Build, the first round of funding will see $738 million invested in 89 projects. More than 2,300 new homes will be built, with the bulk to be ready for tenants by next year. About 50,000 people are currently on a waiting list for social housing across the state. The new homes will be accessible for people with disabilities, and there will be dedicated properties for people in need suffering mental health issues, escaping domestic violence, experiencing homelessness and Victoria’s First Peoples. Housing Minister Richard Wynne said, "The projects would be designed for long-term affordable housing. We know for many people their heaviest commitment apart from their rent is their utility build, so we want to make sure they are absolutely energy efficient," he said. The state government said, "This build would create more than 9,000 jobs. Of the 1,720 dwellings to be built in Melbourne, the single largest project is a 152-home development which Housing First has been given $48.9m to construct in Brighton East." In regional Victoria, a further 583 houses were set to be built, with $41m spent in Bendigo. Wintringham Housing has committed to building a 35-unit social housing development specifically for older people. Deputy chief executive Michael Deschepper said, "The welfare company was donating the land. The Big Build announcement is brilliant. It really recognises that social housing is needed, and more and more people are being priced out of the private rental market and at-risk of homelessness. This will provide housing and safe, secure outcomes for many people across Victoria. The units would be available to all clients who meet the state government community and social housing criteria. The project will aim to use local construction business and was expected to be completed by late-2022."