Council
7 October, 2022
Social housing monies denied
Yarriambiack Shire has been denied funding for their Social Housing project that would create 36 dwellings across the shire.
Yarriambiack Shire has been denied funding for their Social Housing project that would create 36 dwellings across the shire.
On Tuesday, Minister for Housing Danny Pearson announced the recipients of the $219 million Social Housing Growth Fund which included Horsham, Ararat and Ballarat City councils, but not Yarriambiack.
Council’s Social Housing Project was created in conjunction with the Affordable Housing Project to ease the housing stress across the Yarriambiack.
Yarriambiack shire chief executive Tammy Smith said that although their funding bid was unsuccessful in this round, they will continue to apply at “every opportunity” for available social housing funds.
“We’ve got the Affordable Housing, which is great, but it is only seven to eight units, so it won’t be as impactful as initially anticipated due to being unsuccessful with the Social Housing Bid," she said.
"The combined housing projects would have made a really positive impact on addressing housing affordability and availability across our shire.
“We’re still strongly advocating to get funding in that space and we’re definitely not going to give up. We’re going to keep trying.
“We’ve got all the preliminary plans complete, we’ve got the land there and we will seek alternative opportunities for funding.”
Council has been in contact with Homes Victoria, a state service that supports Victorians in accessibility safe and secure housing, to identify improvements within their funding application and seek advice.
Partnered with Haven; Home, Safe, Yarriambiack Shire planned the construction of 36 dwellings across the shire - 14 in Warracknabeal, seven in Murtoa, three in Rupanyup and 10 in Hopetoun - but may now explore cutting down to 34 dwellings to better secure funding.
“To not be successful in this round is disappointing but it hasn’t waned our enthusiasm. We just see it as a minor hurdle,” Ms Smith said.
Once funded, the housing will consist of unit dwellings for those at risk of homelessness and affordable housing for others that are struggling to attain a home.
The social housing will be overseen by Haven; Home, Safe and will provide long term leasing and only require rent to be paid with no deposit.
Haven; Home, Safe chief executive Trudi Ray said they have identified a need for more social and affordable housing in Yarriambiack shire.
"We need to navigate the unique requirements and challenges for housing in rural locations. We understand the cost pressures to achieve economies of scale have increased with the current inflated construction costs," she said.
"Despite this outcome, we remain deeply committed to creating solutions across regional and rural Victoria to ensure communities like those in the Yarriambiack Shire don’t miss out on much-needed social and affordable housing and we will continue to work with Yarriambiack Shire Council and Wimmera Development Association to explore future opportunities.
"We would also welcome the opportunity to work with Homes Victoria and councils on developing the Social and Affordable Housing Compact."
Ms Ray said that by Yarriambiack Shire collaborating with Haven; Home, Safe and Wimmera Development Association, they can get better outcomes by maximising investment and developing a range of housing solutions.
"Additionally, we are building our capability to deliver on the increasing needs of people facing homelessness and housing insecurity through new revenue streams across owned, managed, submarket and market areas," she said.
People seeking shelter in the new homes can have up to $35,488 worth of assets and still remain eligible.
A family with two children earning up to $2,234 per week and a single person earning up to $1,083 are also eligible for the new housing.
To register in the Victorian Housing Register, log onto MyGov, link HousingVic Online Services and register via the application.