Geelong East public housing to be upgraded

THE Ormond Road public housing precinct in East Geelong is getting a $21.6 million upgrade through the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build.

The upgrade is expected to provide 27 new social housing homes, increasing much-needed housing options for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, women and children escaping family violence and Aboriginal Victorians.

Expected to created nearly 200 jobs, the project will also provide another 27 affordable homes, providing new options for residents of Geelong looking for affordable rental options.

The 54 new homes will replace 18 ageing social housing homes at the site.

Consultation on the masterplan with existing residents and other key stakeholders has started, and construction is anticipated to be complete by 2024.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne visited the site with Geelong MP Christine Couzens earlier this month.

“This investment will make a real difference, providing people with the safety and security of social and affordable housing and helping build a strong local community,” Ms Couzens said.

More than 1,100 homes are already under construction as part of the Big Housing Build.

“The announcement of funding for the Ormond Road housing precinct is an important milestone in this incredible investment in new homes across the state,” Mr Wynne said.

“The development will provide more social and affordable housing for those who need it most, which is great news for the Geelong community.

“Our Big Housing Build is providing a roof over their head for Victorians who need it and create thousands of local jobs, supporting our state’s economic recovery.”

The $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – which the Victorian Government says is the largest single investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history – will deliver more than 12,000 new homes across the state.

This will boost Victoria’s social housing supply by 10 per cent while creating 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.

The Big Housing Build is investing $1.25 billion in regional areas, with at least $180 million to be spent in the Greater Geelong area.