Works have officially begun on Geelong’s newest social and affordable housing project.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens turned the first sod at the new major housing project at Ormond Road in East Geelong.
The development will deliver 54 new social housing homes that will become housing options for people at risk, experiencing homelessness or escaping family violence who are currently on the Victorian Housing Register.
The new homes will replace the 18 older dwellings on the site, which have been deemed no longer fit for purpose.
The redevelopment follows a recently completed project in Belmont, which saw 26 new social housing residences built through a partnership between Homes Victoria and Housing Choices Australia on land provided by Geelong aged and disability services provider genU.
The homes at both developments have been designed to meet high energy efficiency standards
The project is a significant part of the $214 million investment by the state government into social housing in Geelong, with 584 new homes either under construction or completed in the region through its Big Housing Build and other social housing programs.
Ms Couzens officiated over the sod-turning on behalf of Minister for Housing Harriet Shing.
“This investment will make a real difference, providing people with the safety and security of social and affordable housing and helping build a strong local community,” Ms Couzens said.
“Our work to deliver more homes for vulnerable Victorians is continuing in Geelong with this project for beautiful, safe and energy efficient social housing that residents will be proud to call home,” said Ms Shing.
