The Andrews Labor Government is providing grants of up to $200,000 for local governments to help build new, innovative social housing projects.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley today announced the $2 million Social Housing Investment Planning grants program during a visit to the Stokes Penola public housing estate – currently under construction in Preston.
The $20 million project will see the redevelopment of one of Victoria’s first public housing estates, originally built in the early 1940s.
Construction of the first 22 apartments is expected to be completed in October – with the remaining 46 apartments to be finished by the end of 2018.
The Labor Government is getting on with the job of growing Victoria’s social housing stock.
These new social housing grants will help increase the supply of land available for projects, and encourage better collaboration between local government and community housing providers.
When linked with the Government’s $1 billion Social Housing Growth Fund, these grants will support more modern, accessible homes for vulnerable Victorians.
“We are seizing the opportunity to renew outdated and run down public housing estates, and these grants will help local councils add to our social housing stock,” says Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley.
“The Stokes Penola site was left vacant for too long because of Council opposition – we’re getting it done to give vulnerable Victorians the housing they deserve.”
Member for Preston Robin Scott says, “The Stokes Penola project will provide much-needed social housing stock for families who need modern and accessible homes. This is important progress, and I look forward to its completion in 2018.”
Grants open on Monday, 19 February, 2018. For more visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/social-housing
