Highton housing boost

ALMOST $10 million will go towards building 22 new units for senior Geelong residents at an existing Highton social housing site

Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne visited Geelong to announce $6.5 million in state government cash to build the accommodation sites, while housing charity Alexander Miller estate will contribute $3.25 million plus land.

Victorian non-profit welfare organisation Wintringham is in charge of the build, which will be next door to 34 existing properties at Cranwell Court, Highton.

The new one-bedroom units would include features catered for residents with limited mobility and are targeted and people over 50 who are at risk of homelessness.

Construction is due to start this year for residents to move in by early 2024.

Ms Horne said the grant from the Victorian Property Fund would back the state government’s social housing policies.

“All Victorians deserve access to affordable housing that is fit for purpose and meets their needs – this accommodation provides a secure and long-term home for those in the Geelong area who need it most,” she said.

Wintringham founder and chief executive officer Bryan Lipmann said the new accommodation would provide an important boost to the region’s housing sector.

“The new units will provide much needed social housing in a region that is experiencing significant housing shortages and homelessness, much like many other parts of regional Australia.”

Alexander Miller Estate trustee chair Gary Martin said the homes would ensure residents had a high quality of life.