The Federal Government has provided the City of Whittlesea with $7.1 million in funding to develop the infrastructure that will support 35 new homes in Mernda.
Council successfully applied for a grant under the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program to assist in the delivery of road and civil infrastructure to the subdivision.
The infrastructure works will include the reconstruction of Johnsons Road between Schotters Road and the Plenty River, establishment of shared paths and public space, and protection of existing mature trees.
In late 2021, Council resolved to subdivide land at 17-19 Johnsons Road into 35 lots to help meet the growing demand for housing in the Mernda community.
Thirty-two of the lots will be sold on the open market and the remaining three either sold or leased to a registered Community Housing Organisation for affordable housing.
With the funding secure, Council is set to conduct detailed design work ahead of the land being subdivided into lots ranging from 194m² to 454m².
Once the land is subdivided, Council will launch a competitive tender process for the construction of the subdivision and associated infrastructure.
The Johnsons Road housing development is ideally located close to schools, public transport, medical services and the future regional sports precinct.
City of Whittlesea Mayor, Aidan McLindon, said that the city has welcomed this critical $7.1 million investment in the Johnsons Road residential development in Mernda.
“This funding will deliver essential infrastructure to support delivery of 35 homes, of which three will be affordable housing, providing much-needed homes close to schools, services and public transport,” Mayor McLindon said.
“This project is an exciting step forward in addressing housing supply and creating vibrant, connected communities in our municipality.
“This project demonstrates how different levels of government can work together to deliver for the community.”
