Sod turned on East Geelong social housing project

THE first sod has been turned at a new major housing project in East Geelong.

The Ormond Road redevelopment is the latest in more than $214 million worth of projects in the City of Greater Geelong Across Geelong, 584 new homes are either under way or completed.

The Ormond Road project will provide 54 new social housing homes, increasing much-needed housing options for applicants on the Victorian Housing Register including people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, and women and children escaping family violence.

The new homes will replace 18 old homes rated as no longer fit for purpose.

The project will better meet the needs of residents, with easy access to schools, medical services, employment, retail and public transport.

It follows the recent completion of another major project in Belmont, which delivered 26 new social housing homes through a partnership between Homes Victoria and Housing Choices Australia.

The new homes at both sites will be modern and energy-efficient, meaning renters will be able to stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

“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,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.

Ms Couzens turned the first sod on Friday last week.

The Victorian Government says more than 10,000 homes are already under way or complete as part of its $6.3 billion plan to deliver more than 13,300 homes across Victoria.

“Our work to deliver more homes for vulnerable Victorians is continuing in Geelong with this project for beautiful, safe and energy efficient social housing that residents will be proud to call home,” Minister for Housing Harriet Shing said.