Boosting housing and jobs in Geelong

The Andrews Government is spruiking its social and economic credentials with the announcement that it is delivering hundreds of new homes across regional Victoria, ensuring more Victorians have the security and stability of a home and creating thousands of new jobs.

Minister for Housing Danny Pearson announced $36 million in grants from the Social Housing Growth Fund to build social housing across Geelong – providing a stable foundation for Victorians to build their lives.

The grants will build up to 90 houses and create 234 jobs in Geelong, providing social and affordable housing to respond to the increasing population in the state’s growth areas and create more housing to support increased employment in regional towns and cities.

Funding will be provided to Unison Housing, Common Equity Housing Limited and Northern Geelong Rental Housing Co-operative Ltd, Salvation Army Housing and CatholicCare Victoria.

This investment into Greater Geelong and Corangamite is part of Labor’s $219 million in grants through the Social Housing Growth Fund.

The funding for 17 community housing agencies will go towards planning and construction for 46 projects to deliver up to 683 homes in regional Victoria, creating nearly 2,600 jobs and boosting Victoria’s economic recovery.

Mr Pearson said Labor was delivering the biggest single investment in social housing Victoria has ever seen.

“We’re not just investing in bricks and mortar, but the lives of Victorians right across the state for years to come.”

The project sites have been chosen because they have the most critical demand and are close to services residents will need.

Projects will be starting throughout 2023 as planning and other approvals are obtained.

The funding is part of the landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the biggest ever investment in social housing by any state or territory – with $1.25 billion dedicated to regional Victoria.

South Barwon Labor MP Darren Cheeseman said that as Victoria continues to grow, we need more social and affordable housing where people want to live.

“That’s why we’re delivering more homes for Victorians across the regions and creating thousands of jobs.”