Boost for social housing scheme

THE city is set to see an increase in the delivery of social housing as part of the State Government’s Big Housing Build program and other projects.

Minister for Housing, Government Services and Regulatory Reform, Danny Pearson, visited the city last week to announce Ballarat’s take of the statewide initiative has expanded from its minimum $80 million guarantee to $111 million.

Mr Pearson said the support for Ballarat showed the State Government’s commitment to providing regional housing.

“We want to make sure regional Victoria gets its fair share. We know that as a consequence of the pandemic, more and more people are choosing to live in beautiful, wonderful communities like Ballarat,” he said.

“That is having an impact in terms of the accessibility and the affordability of housing in communities like Ballarat.

“This is 21st century, energy-efficient accessible housing. It’s decent. It’s dignified, and it’s what people are entitled to and what people deserve.”

Of the 305 new houses promised in Ballarat as part of the initiative, 89 have been completed with more than 900 jobs to be provided in delivering the remaining 216 homes.

The $5.3 million Big Housing Build program was announced in late 2020 with a quarter of those funds earmarked for regional development.

An estimated 2800 Ballarat applicants are listed in the Victorian housing register, with priority given to people who are homeless, disabled or escaping domestic violence.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said the homes will secure a future for Ballarat residents.

“This isn’t just about building houses. This is about giving people a new life. When you look around here, this is a place where you can start fresh,” she said.