The Andrews Labor Government 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 today announced $219 million in grants from the Social Housing Growth Fund to build social housing across regional Victoria – providing a stable foundation for thousands of Victorians to build their lives.

The grants will provide social and affordable housing in regional Victoria to respond to the increasing population in Victoria’s growth areas and create more housing to support employment growth in regional towns and cities.

This announcement comes as government ministers, regional councils, community and business sectors gather at the Regional Affordable Housing Summit in Creswick to discuss ways to work together to address the housing supply and affordability challenges of regional Victoria’s burgeoning population.

Seventeen community housing agencies will receive funding for planning and construction of 46 projects that will deliver up to 683 homes in regional Victoria, creating nearly 2,600 jobs and boosting Victoria’s economic recovery.

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

From Bass Coast to Greater Bendigo, the Government is delivering modern, energy efficient accessible homes for Victorians who need them most – transforming lives and ensuring more people have a safe place to call home.

Projects are located across 19 local government areas including five projects in the Ballarat region, one of which will provide older Victorians over the age of 55 with the dignity of a secure place to call home.

Seven projects will include new homes for Aboriginal Victorians. In addition to the Social Housing Growth Fund, Homes for Aboriginal Victorians grants rounds will deliver self-determined and culturally safe housing for Aboriginal people across the state.

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.

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

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Danny Pearson

“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.”

“We’re 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.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing

“We know there’s demand for social and affordable housing in regional Victoria and that’s why we’re getting on with the job and delivering new homes right across the state.”