Social housing tapped for Corio

PARTNERSHIP opportunities to develop social housing in Corio are being explored by the City of Greater Geelong following its council meeting last month.

It is seeking expressions of interest from registered housing providers and intends for the provider to build the houses, select the tenants and manage the properties long-term.

The potential Corio site, located at 120 Purnell Road, was identified as a potential location for social housing in 2021 during an audit of city-owned land.

The untenanted site formerly housed a maternal and child health centre which has been relocated to the Korayn Birralee Family Centre, also situated on Purnell Road.

Community consultation was undertaken in 2022, with 78 per cent of respondents in favour of social housing being developed at the site.

Two other sites, in Belmont and Bell Post Hill respectively, were also identified during the audit, but a decision on the future of the sites has not yet been made.

The move marks a step forward in the city’s 21-year social housing plan.

At present, there are about 3,300 households across the Greater Geelong region living in social housing, and it is estimated the region will need an additional 13,500 social housing dwellings over the next 20 years.

Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said housing was the biggest issue facing communities in Geelong and across the nation.

“We developed a strong plan in 2020, but sadly progress has been challenging and the need for social housing is getting greater.

“This site in isolation won’t solve the housing issue in Geelong, but it represents progress and signals that this council does want to contribute to the solution and be a direct provider.

“Building social housing on the land in Purnell Road will hopefully be the first in multiple new developments of this type across our region in the coming years.”

At its April meeting, and following an amendment put forward by Cr Sarah Hathway, chair of the city’s inclusion and care portfolio, the council resolved to both retain ownership of the site in Corio for community use or a development comprised entirely of social housing.

“We know the importance of having social housing and/or wrap-around services for people experiencing family violence, or living with mental health conditions, disability, other chronic health issues, or substance and addiction issues,” Cr Hathway said.

“It is a huge issue and unfortunately we don’t have a magic wand to fix the whole problem, but anything we can do is a step in the right direction.”

The city said it was also exploring options for social housing on private land and has negotiated agreements within two residential developments, with other negotiations ongoing.

It’s also secured a commitment from North Geelong saleyards area developers that a minimum of 5 per cent of the development be allocated to social and affordable housing.