The Federal Government is investing in critical infrastructure in Victoria which is set to unlock up to 3,149 more homes across the state.
Through the government’s Housing Support Program, $35.8 million has been allocated to five projects to fast-track housing in regional and metropolitan growth areas.
Funding will be used on enabling infrastructure – such as roads, sewage and water – as well as supporting access to social housing and increasing housing supply.
At the Johnsons Road Residential Development in Mernda, the government is investing $7.1 million to Whittlesea Council to enable the establishment of 35 new housing lots through new road and civil infrastructure.
Situated at the end of the Mernda train line in this growing outer suburb, the development is located near existing services and schools. The project will also include the urbanisation of Johnsons Road and the establishment of shared paths, public space and protection of existing mature trees.
Other Victorian projects receiving funding include:
- $11.3 million to upgrade sewer pump stations along the Calder Highway in Marong to enable more than 2,300 new homes
- $7.9 million to unlock more than 600 new dwellings in Morwell in the Latrobe Valley
- $7.3 million to deliver enabling infrastructure in Ararat including roads, drainage, paths, streetlights and utilities for 90 new dwellings with 70 per cent allocated to social, community and affordable housing
- $2 million to sub-divide council-owned land on Burke Street to provide an additional 35 housing sites to Beaufort
This funding follows almost $250 million already allocated to Victoria for enabling infrastructure and social housing across the state as well as $6 million delivered to fast-track planning capability.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that a place to call home is not a luxury or a nice-to-have, but a fundamental need, and the Federal Government is making this a reality for more Australians.
“From Ararat and Beaufort to here in Mernda, we are doing the essential work of delivering enabling infrastructure to get more homes built, faster,” Minister King said.
“The Housing Support Program is a critical part of our work with states and territories to help them meet the ambitious national target to build 1.2 million new homes.”
Federal Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, said, “The Federal Government is making it easier for people to build or buy their own home in our community which is important for families, and especially our kids.”
