Question details
Question on Notice
With reference to the $1 billion Regional Housing Fund to deliver 1,300 social and affordable housing in regional areas announced in July 2023 after scrapping the 2026 Commonwealth Games:
(1) How many social and affordable dwellings will be built at the previously identified Commonwealth Games Athlete Village site at English Street in Morwell.
(2) When will construction commence on the promised social and affordable dwellings at English Street in Morwell.
I thank the member for Morwell for his question on housing in Morwell.
I acknowledge the significant need for social and affordable housing across Victoria, including in the Morwell area.
The Allan Labor Government is committed to delivering positive housing outcomes in Regional Victoria. On 20 September 2023, the Victorian Government released its landmark package to boost housing supply and affordability in rural and regional Victoria. Victoria’s Housing Statement – the Decade Ahead 2024-2034 sets a target to build 800,000 new homes across the state over the next ten years including a target to build 152,000 new homes in rural and regional Victoria.
The $1 billion Regional Housing Fund has been established to deliver more than 1,300 new homes across regional and rural Victoria, including a mix of social and affordable housing. We are progressing with planning which will inform the location of these homes within regional and rural Victoria, as well as inform timing of future engagement with the respective local councils for the areas where the social and affordable housing dwellings are being delivered.
In addition, through the Big Housing Build, $1.25 billion has been committed to regional Victoria. The Big Housing Build has invested $83 million to develop new homes across the City of Latrobe. Through this investment, 81 new homes have been completed and 117 new homes are underway.
A further 18 homes have been completed, and 3 new homes are underway as part of other capital works. Furthermore, 597 homes have, or are in the process of having, maintenances and/or upgrades undertaken across the City of Latrobe.
I look forward to continuing to work with you and members of the community to provide more social and affordable housing in the local area.
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Hon Harriet Shing MP
Minister for Housing
