Social housing build begins

MINISTER for Housing Richard Wynne visited Canadian last week where construction has begun on fourteen new social houses.

Community housing organisation Haven; Home, Safe are delivering the $5.8 million project in partnership with the State, which has contributed $4.5 million.

“We’re building two, three, and four-bedroom double-storey homes, and it’s a really very high-end contemporary construction that’s seven-star rated,” Mr Wynne said.

“They will be built to the highest standard, and importantly, will be disability accessible… so people can live in dignity in a beautiful environment here in Canadian.”

Haven; Home, Safe chair Damien Tangey said 44 people will be housed within the estate between Sparrow Ground Reserve and Canadian Lead Primary School.

“It will be affordable rental accommodation,” he said.

“Fifty per cent of Ballarat’s rental accommodation is considered unaffordable, so giving people access to the housing they need… creating 80 jobs in the process, and delivering an integrated part of a wonderful community here at Canadian is really important to us.”

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle acknowledged the huge need for more affordable homes across the city.

“I’m delighted that this government has been so supportive of the people who need housing in our community,” she said.

“These 14 houses will be different sizes. We know that one and two-bedroom homes are where the gaps are.

“We’re really excited to have this development in Canadian, a beautiful area with local schools and everything you could need.”

Mr Wynne said about 240 social “units” will be built in Ballarat over the next two years, not only to invest in the welfare of residents, but to create jobs.