Ballarat’s Big Housing Build – Ministerial Response
Scroll down for the Minister’s response, or click here to discover more about how we’re working for Wendouree.
Original constituency question from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –
My question is for the Minister for Housing, about the progress of the number of big build projects that are underway in my electorate of Wendouree.
I am so proud we are delivering more social and affordable housing in my community and creating jobs in the building industry. As well as the $50 million Delacombe revitalisation project, we are building 25 homes in two Delacombe locations, to be delivered in partnership with Centacare Housing Service. These properties will provide long-term housing to support people on the Victorian Housing Register.
We are also building 16 homes in Redan, delivered in partnership with the Haven Foundation, for people living with mental illness. Statewide our investment of $5.3 billion will deliver more 12,000 new social and affordable homes and transform lives. Significantly, 25 per cent of this investment is occurring in regional Victoria, and Ballarat is guaranteed a minimum local investment of $80 million.
Response from the Hon Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Housing (6 July 2023) –
I thank the Member for Wendouree, for their question and interest in the Big Housing Build.
The Big Housing Build represents an investment in a stronger, fairer Victoria. It is a historic investment in building social and affordable housing, that is changing lives, and giving thousands of Victorians a place to call home.
Our $5.3 billion Big Housing Build is delivering more than 12,000 social and affordable homes across metropolitan and regional Victoria and we’ve already passed the halfway mark, while also creating 10,000 jobs a year. So far, 7,600 homes have been completed or are underway, with 2000 renters having packed their bags to move in.
We know that, housing affordability and availability is an issue in regional Victoria. That’s why this Government, through the Big Housing Build, is investing $1.25 billion in regional Victoria with a quarter of new affordable homes being delivered in regional communities.
The current contracted investment for the City of Ballarat is $119 million against a Minimum Investment Guarantee of $80 million. Under the Big Housing Build we will deliver 340 new homes, two projects of more than 20 dwellings, with 1,074 jobs created.
Notably, there is the Delacombe revitalisation, where we are building over 150 new homes, where 5 percent of new social housing will be available for people with disabilities. This includes a more diverse tenure mix that will include new affordable homes, as well as 10 percent more social homes. The new homes will be modern, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable, making them cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Throughout the neighbourhood, there will be new and improved public open space, better lighting, improved access and paths, and areas for community interaction. This design process has involved extensive community engagement to ensure the neighbourhood reflects the needs of the people who live there.
Ballarat has received significant funding in the Social Housing Growth Fund, to deliver housing in partnership with Community Housing Providers. Through the Regional Round there are 44 homes commissioned through an investment of $11.2 million. This includes Community Housing for cohorts such as people who require mental health support.
Additionally, $9.3 million has been invested in maintenance and upgrades in Ballarat, with $1 million towards Specialist Disability Accommodation.
I thank the Member, for their continued support and advocacy for affordable, safe and secure housing for her local community, and I look forward to working with Ms Addison MP to maximise the benefits of the Big Housing Build across the Wendouree region.