The Andrews Labor Government is creating jobs and ensuring people who need support have a safe place to call home, with hundreds of properties already under construction – and thousands more to come – in the biggest investment in social housing in Australia’s history.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Acting Minister for Housing Luke Donnellan visited one of nearly 70 new homes already delivered through the Labor Government’s election commitment to build 1,000 public housing properties.
In addition, more than 230 properties are under construction across the state, with all 1,000 new homes on track to be completed by 2022.
The program will create 920 construction jobs and more than 3,000 indirect jobs over the lifetime of the project.
The one and two bedroom homes meet modern design standards and are 7 star energy rated – making them more comfortable during summer and winter, and saving tenants money on their power bills.
They’re on top of the Labor Government’s historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, which will deliver more than 12,000 extra social and affordable homes and supporting on average 10,000 jobs, per year over the next four years.
This unprecedented investment will deliver 9,300 new social housing homes – including replacing 1,100 old public housing units. A further 2,900 new affordable and low-cost homes will be built to help low-to-moderate income earners live closer to where they work and provide options for private rental.
As part of the Big Housing Build, procurement to deliver more than 1,000 homes across Melbourne is underway.
The Big Housing Build will boost social housing supply across the state by 10 per cent in just four years – providing a stable foundation to help vulnerable Victorians including Aboriginal Victorians, pensioners, Victorians living with mental illness, Victorians with disability, family violence victims and single parent families.
The program will generate an estimated $6.7 billion in economic activity, with 25 per cent of funding to be allocated to regional Victoria and 10 per cent of the work on major projects done by apprentices, cadets and trainees.
Combined with new housing from existing investments such as the Public Housing Renewal Program and Social Housing Growth Fund, construction of more than 15,800 new homes will begin over the next four years.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
“Our unprecedented investment will change lives – giving thousands of Victorians the security and stability of a home, and tens of thousands of Victorians a job.”
“It’s a profound investment in a stronger, fairer Victoria – a Victoria that recognises everyone deserves a place to call home.”
As stated by Acting Minister for Housing Luke Donnellan
“We’ve wasted no time delivering on our commitment to build and purchase more social housing where it’s needed, so Victorians who need support receive it sooner.”
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“Home is where the heart is – these new properties are making a world of difference helping people stay safe and feel secure in our local community.”
