Community asked about land marked for social housing

THE community is being urged to make its voice known on the City of Greater Geelong’s proposal to lease land at 116-120 Purnell Road in Corio for social housing purposes for up to 50 years.

The city is putting the land up for lease to allow for more social housing development to help meet demand across the region.

It says more than 4500 households currently live in social housing in the region but 13,500 new social housing dwellings will be needed by 2041 to meet demand.

The council resolved in April to seek a registered housing association (RHA) partner/s for the land, but as part of the deal the city will continue to own the site which will be entirely made up of social housing.

“Council asked the city to seek a partnership with registered housing association/s to develop social housing at 116-120 Purnell Road, Corio because of the urgent need for housing of this type in our region,” deputy mayor Cr Anthony Aitken said.

“The most time and cost-efficient option is to form partnerships with RHAs to explore projects, funding opportunities and plans for community engagement.

“In order to create these partnerships, the city first needs to engage with the community about leasing the land for this purpose.”

The city’s lease encompasses a vacant site measuring about 2298sqm.

The lease would align with the City of Greater Geelong’s Social Housing Plan 2020-2041.

Cr Sarah Hathway said the land was close to important services and businesses.

“This vacant site is situated in an area near the Norlane ARC, Corio Village, Corio Library and recreation reserves, ensuring that potential social housing tenants are engaged and part of the community,” Cr Hathway said.

“This proposed lease is another step in the process of helping to support people on low incomes in Greater Geelong.

“We look forward to a future report to Council to outline the findings of this engagement and the city’s work to seek proposals for the site from a registered housing association.”

Community consultation closes at 5pm on September 6.

Head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/LeasePurnell to find out more.