Corio site approved for long-term social housing

CITY of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj says the council is committed to delivering on its promise to expand social housing, with the city approving the granting of a long-term lease for the development of social housing at 116–120 Purnell Road, Corio.

The land will be leased to a registered housing association for the development and ongoing management of social housing, with a lease term of up to 50 years.

This decision follows the council’s 2022 commitment to explore the use of three sites for social housing, with Purnell Road receiving strong support for use as social housing.

Cr Kontelj said the site would play an integral role in meeting the housing needs of Geelong’s most vulnerable residents.

Social and Affordable Housing portfolio chair Cr Emma Sinclair said the demand for social housing was pressing.

“This project is part of the City’s commitment under the Social Housing Plan 2020–2041 to increase the supply of affordable housing in our community.”