By Mandy Oakham
A $43.5 million housing project has officially opened in a welcome boost to northern Geelong’s shortage of affordable homes.
Baptcare’s Norlane Integrated Community project would provide housing for low-income families, people with disabilities and older members of the community, said Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash.
“This new facility is a great investment in Norlane that will make a difference to the lives of many locals,” she said.
“I’m proud of this investment in Geelong.”
Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson welcomed the much-needed facility in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
“Combatting homelessness is an important priority for the Coalition Government. We’re delighted to partner with Baptcare to provide this much-needed support which will transform lives,” Ms Henderson said.
“The 52 affordable rental houses can accommodate up to 91 people and include purpose-built housing for people with disabilities.
“Twenty of the units have been completed and tenanted with the remainder to be finished by the end of 2017.”
Baptcare acting chief executive Kate Barber said this development realised Baptcare’s vision of providing housing that was well-located and of quality construction yet affordable to lower-income households.
“The housing shortage in Victoria is extreme,” Ms Barber said.
“The state has only 3.4 per cent of social housing, the lowest in Australia.
“On any given night in Australia one in 200 people are homeless. The chronic shortage of affordable rental housing is a leading cause of this homelessness.”
“Our goal with these units is to improve access to affordable integrated communities for disadvantaged people, as well as creating a community where residents can participate fully in life and live independently, with rent adjusted to tenants’ income.”
Baptcare put $36.25 million into the project, with the Commonwealth providing $7.25 million.
