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Original constituency question from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –

My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Housing, and it is about the biggest social housing package in our state’s history-$5.3 billion to construct more than 12 000 new homes throughout metro and regional Victoria, as well as supporting around 10 000 jobs per year over the next four years.

How will this landmark social housing program, the Big Housing Build, deliver secure, modern and affordable homes for my community in the electorate of Wendouree?

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Premier, the Treasurer and the minister for the work that has been put into this transformative package that will boost our state’s social housing supply by 10 per cent in just four years, providing a stable foundation for thousands of Victorians to build their lives. My community of Ballarat will receive $80 million of investment in social housing, and this has been most welcomed by community organisations across my community.

Answer from the Hon Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Housing (4th February 2021)  – 

I thank Ms Addison, Member for Wendouree, for her question and acknowledge her continued support for improving housing outcomes in the community of Ballarat.

As you have indicated, the 2020-21 Budget has committed record investment for new social and affordable housing. The $5.3 billion Big Housing Build will deliver 12,000 new homes across the state. It will also help Victoria’s building and construction industry recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Big Housing Build will invest $1.25 billion across regional Victoria. This includes targeted development and acquisitions in significant regional cities.

The Ballarat area will receive a minimum of $80 million through the Minimum Investment Guarantee. This is estimated to create 720 full-time equivalent jobs in Ballarat.

In addition, Ballarat is a priority Local Government Area for a spot purchase program to acquire homes in the Ballarat area (including Buninyong and Wendouree). New modern homes will also be constructed and will meet 7-star NatHERS energy efficiency standards to ensure a comfortable living environment and low energy costs.

The Big Housing Build comes on top of the $498 million for refurbishment and maintenance of existing public housing dwellings, $209 million to build 1,000 new public housing dwellings, $150 million for the Homelessness to Home program, $112 million package for energy efficient upgrades to social housing and the $185 million Public Housing Renewal Program.

I trust this information is of assistance and I once again thank the Member for Wendouree for her ongoing support for social and affordable housing.