More Victorians will have a place to call home thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s social housing investment in the Ballarat and wider Grampians area.

Minister for Housing Richard Wynne officially opened nine apartments today as part of more than $70 million invested in the Ballarat, Ararat and Stawell to build 279 homes for those who need it most.

The $3.6 million Wendouree project delivers nine homes – six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments – and is one of three developments funded in partnership with housing provider Centacare which will be constructed by a local builder and result in 85 local jobs.

Residents will move in this month and come from a range of backgrounds and circumstances with a mix of singles and small families.

Another two Centacare developments in Delacombe, which will deliver a total of 25 townhouses, will commence construction in coming weeks and be allocated to people on the Victorian Housing Register.

The Delacombe developments are two of nine projects being built in Ballarat by the Labor Government in partnership with community housing providers.

These projects are on top of $39.6 million of Government investment for a further 131 homes in Ballarat under the Big Housing Build.

In addition, $7.5 million is being invested to build 30 new homes in Ararat and $4.5 million to build 20 homes in Stawell for singles, couples and families facing homelessness.

The houses are part of the Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the largest single investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history – which is delivering more than 12,000 new homes and creating an average of 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.

The Big Housing Build is investing $1.25 billion in regional areas – with a minimum investment guarantee of $80 million for Greater Ballarat – ensuring the economic and social benefits are felt in communities across the state.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home and these new developments provide just that, allowing people to live a life of stability.”

“This investment is an opportunity for community housing agencies to work together with private, non-profit and local government partners for their communities, and creates secure housing for low-income Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison:

“These homes in Wendouree will transform lives and make a real difference to people who need it most.”

”The social housing developments across Ballarat are proof of our Government’s committment to tackling homelessness and investing in real and tangible soloutions.”