The City of Greater Geelong will undertake further examination for potentially transfering $3.6 million worth of Council-owned land for social housing.
Councillors will consider giving the green light to seeking public feedback on the proposed use of the land.
The City’s Social Housing Plan 2020-2041 details the actions Council should take to contribute to and encourage the growth of social housing in Greater Geelong, including the use of Council-owned land.
The three sites were identified following an audit of Council-owned land , to assess their feasibility for social housing in response to action from the Social Housing Plan 2020-2041.
The three sites identified as suitable for social housing development are:
- 116-120 Purnell Road, Corio
- 5A Dean Street, Belmont
- 2-7 Rollins Road and 9-14 Rollins Road, Bell Post Hill
Geelong Deputy Mayor, Trent Sullivan, said there is high rental stress in the community and growing demand for social and affordable housing.
“In Greater Geelong there are 3,300 households living in social housing. However, around 10,000 households need social housing, and this is expected to grow to nearly 17,000 households by 2041,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Paying rent is a struggle for many people and it can result in financial stress, homelessness, and having to move away from family, friends, employment, education and support networks.
“There is a shared responsibility to identify land that’s suitable for social housing, including all levels of government and the development community.”
The City would seek to understand the views of local residents as well as the wider community concerning the use of the three vacant sites to increase the availability of social housing in the community.
Social Housing Chair, Councillor Sarah Mansfield, said increasing the supply of social housing could support vulnerable community members and deliver benefits for the entire community.
“Our region is growing, which means the demand for social housing is growing across our region too,” Cr Mansfield said.
“There are many people who are working and earning money but are not able to afford the extremely high costs of private rental in many areas across the region.”
If the recommendation is endorsed, public feedback would open via the Have Your say page from 23 February to 6 April 2022.
