The Victorian government has announced a new project to bring more social housing to Geelong for First Nations people.
Last Friday, Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing announced more than $153 million for 93 social housing projects across the state, which will deliver a total of 348 new homes.
Geelong is earmarked for 28 new homes as part of the government’s Big Housing Build.
The homes will be designed, delivered and managed in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, with the funding building on existing initiatives implemented to improve First Nations housing outcomes.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the announcement was “amazing for our community”.
“(These homes) are really important, particularly for the Aboriginal community,” Ms Couzens said.
“We know that housing is a big issue in our region and to have an additional 28 homes allocated and managed by Aboriginal Housing Victoria and Aboriginal Community Housing Victoria is a real bonus.
“It’ll provide 28 families with housing and, as I said, we know that Aboriginal families in particular are doing it tough.”
Ms Couzens said the homes could be delivered within the next 12 to 24 months.
“There will be consultation with local Aboriginal communities across the Geelong region and then they’ll start planning out,” she said.
“I’m not sure at this stage whether it will be a mix of spot purchase or new builds, but I think that’s what the planning will look at over the next couple of months.”
Matt Hewson
