Social Housing Projects Begin

AFTER the State Government allocated a minimum of $25m in Bass Coast as part the Big Housing Build, $3m of the funding has so far been spent.

According to the government, two homes have been ‘spot purchased’ and four are under construction. 

Bass Coast was identified as a priority area with a Minimum Investment Guarantee, with the $25m announced in 2020. 

The $5.3 billion Big Housing Build seeks to create more than 12,000 new homes throughout metro and regional Victoria, per year over the next four years.

In a recent Parliamentary sitting week, State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale formally asked Housing Minister Danny Pearson for an update on the Big Housing Build and invited him to a roundtable meeting with local community advocates, housing agencies and building innovators. 

Held at Wonthaggi Library on August 25, in attendance were representatives from Quantum, Salvation Army, Housing Matters Bass Coast, YMCA and YES Youth Hub, Bass Coast Specialist School, St Josephs along with the Directors of the Cape Sustainable Community and Ecoliv. 

The discussion was centred around local needs, priority community members, opportunities for improvement and solutions to tackle the growing need for secure housing whilst also building climate resilient, carbon neutral and energy efficient homes which have health and energy benefits long term. 

Community members most at risk of homelessness include for women and children fleeing family violence situations, young people and women over 50. 

The lack of worker housing was also raised given Bass Coast is growing; there is a lack of rentals on the market and the area is reliant on a seasonal workforce as well. 

According to recent Census data, Bass Coast has 39 per cent or 10,000 unoccupied houses which includes holiday homes. 

Housing Matters Bass Coast made a point of noting they approach their advocacy not about an ‘us and them’ but ‘us’ as a whole, as a community. 

Discussions were also had on social housing and wrap around services. The Youth Foyer being one example mentioned amongst many. 

Innovation should also play a key role in all builds looking at energy efficient modular homes that are climate resilient, optimal passive design and made from recycled materials. 

To learn more about the Big Housing Build and for projects happening locally visit, www.homes.vic.gov.au/whats-happening-my-area#victoria

The Sentinel-Times further inquired with Ms Crugnale about where exactly the projects are happening in Bass Coast and what the projects would entail specifically. 

However, no response had been received in time for print.