THE Victorian Government has committed $5.3 billion toward building twelve-thousand social housing homes throughout Melbourne and regional areas.<\/p>\n
The package, to be included in the state’s 2020\/21 budget released on 24 November, will deliver 9300 new homes, as well as the replacement of 1100 existing public housing units.<\/p>\n
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said 2000 of the new homes would be for people living with mental illness, while 2900 new affordable and low-cost homes would be built to help low-to-moderate income earners live closer to work.<\/p>\n
There would also be 1000 dwellings to support Indigenous Victorians and another 1000 to support victims of family violence.<\/p>\n
“This will change lives – giving thousands of Victorians the security and stability of a home,” Mr Andrews said.<\/p>\n
“It’s a profound investment in a stronger, fairer Victoria – a Victoria that recognises everyone deserves a place to call home.”<\/p>\n
The new homes will meet seven-star efficiency standards to be comfortable during summer and winter, Mr Andrews said.<\/p>\n
The program would also create about 10,000 jobs a year over the next four years, with the first 6000 dwellings expected to completed within 18 months.<\/p>\n
Housing Minister Richard Wynne said 25 per cent of the funding would be committed to regional Victoria.<\/p>\n
“Whether you’re in Wonthaggi, Portland or Wodonga, you will be a recipient of this investment going forward,” he said.<\/p>\n
Victorian Greens acting housing spokesperson Sam Hibbins welcomed the package but said there are more than 100,000 people on the waiting list for public housing.<\/p>\n
“Homelessness is the number one social justice issue facing this state and the best way to fix it is by building homes for people in need,” Mr Hibbins said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Victorian Council of Social Service chief Emma King said the program would be a “massive leap” toward solving the state’s housing and homelessness crisis.<\/p>\n
“This colossal investment will mean fewer people cold, hungry and homeless, and more people in work,” Ms King said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“A single investment of this scale has not been seen in many decades, if ever. It’s a game changer.”<\/p>\n
“Housing is a springboard to a good life, a life of wellbeing. With a roof over your head, you can overcome all the other challenges more easily.”<\/p>\n
Council to Homeless Persons chief Jenny Smith also welcomed the “historic level” of investment in social housing.<\/p>\n
“Lack of social housing has been driving people into homelessness, and making it almost impossible for people to escape homelessness,” Ms Smith said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“Without a secure affordable home, it is almost unachievable for people to engage in education or employment, much less to maintain their health and wellbeing.”<\/p>\n
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