Community members needed for housing reference groups

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The Corangamite Shire is getting ready to put a call out to interested members of the community to join the Community Reference Group for the ‘Unlocking Housing – Simpson’ and ‘Unlocking Housing – Timboon’ projects.

These are exciting projects to open up land to develop housing blocks for key workers and new residents in the townships of Simpson and Timboon.

Support and funding is being provided as part of the Victorian Government’s Living Regions Living Suburbs Program.

In Timboon, Council will work with the community to create a subdivision of 30-40 lots.

South-West Ward Councillor Kate Makin welcomed the project and encouraged Timboon residents to have a say on the future of their town.

“I think it’s something worthwhile and timely,” Cr Makin said.

“It’s much needed for the town to thrive and prosper with the number of tourists who are expected to be coming.

“The community is very happy for it to go ahead and get started.

“If they want to be a part of it and have a say this is the perfect way to do it.

“Get on the reference group and get involved.”

In Simpson, Council will work with the land owner, community, and a development partner to create a subdivision of 80-100 lots.

Coastal Ward Councillor Jamie Vogels said ‘Unlocking Housing – Simpson’ was crucial for the town’s revitalisation.

“Simpson can access better services with an increased population.

“If you get more people you get better businesses, a wider range of shops which improves the whole district.

“Simpson school could use more kids to keep it viable in the long term.”

Cr Vogels said Simpson was a good location for people who will service the tourist industry when it takes off again once COVID has passed.

“It’s only 15 mins to the Twelve Apostles which is really convenient for accommodation if you’re working down that way,” he said.

Both projects will address servicing requirements such as roads and drainage, walking paths, lighting and open spaces.

It is important to note that for this part of the project Council is not building housing. It is, however, subdividing land for residential housing lots.

Expressions of Interest are now being sought from interested community members who would like to be involved in an advisory role to Council on the project in their town.

There are four community member positions on each Community Reference Group and appointment will be for a two year term.

To stay informed, keep an eye out on www.corangamite.vic.gov.au and our Facebook page.

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