Built as part of the $3.1 million partnership between BeyondHousing, the Victorian Property Fund (VPF) and Mitchell Shire Council, the home is the first completed of eight new homes under construction for couples, single parents and families at risk of homelessness in Wallan, Broadford and Seymour.
The significant milestone was marked with the official handover of keys from district builders Metricon on October 15 during Anti-Poverty Week.
Each property is a well-appointed contemporary home which optimises connection to community services, resources, transport and social activities.
BeyondHousing chief executive Celia Adams said the handover was an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the partnership and the social housing project.
“As a community, we need partnerships like this to help solve the growing issue of homelessness, to stop people falling through the cracks and to lower poverty rates by boosting the supply of genuinely affordable housing,” she said.
“BeyondHousing is pleased to have worked in partnership with Mitchell Shire and the Victorian Government to bring security, opportunity and a new home for residents in need.”
Residents in need of housing or those facing the risks of homelessness will benefit from safe and appropriate housing in the form of eight new dwellings.
“We’re delighted to be at the point where families and people we support are about to walk through the doors of the new properties and call them home,” Ms Adams said.
“This project has increased the supply of social and affordable housing in the Mitchell Shire, which is so desperately needed.
“It will also greatly improve the quality of life for struggling residents, providing them with real opportunities and ensuring housing costs don’t place people at risk of falling further below the poverty line.”
Ms Adams welcomed Mitchell Shire Council’s support, with the council offering financial support through easing costs on rates and planning fees for the project.
“We particularly welcome the fact Mitchell Shire Council has recognised that increasing the supply of affordable housing for the most vulnerable residents is key to building a productive and healthy region,” Ms Adams said.
“Mitchell Shire Council are a leading example of how councils can work with agencies like BeyondHousing to ensure communities get the most out of funding opportunities.
“This is the sort of leadership that will have a significant and enduring impact on one of the biggest social and community concerns we are dealing with in Mitchell Shire and across the broader Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions.”
Mitchell Shire is experiencing rapid population growth, with the southern towns of Beveridge and Wallan included in the urban growth boundary. The current population of 43,000 is forecast to grow to more than 200,000 within 20 to 25 years.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said affordable housing was a critical need for the region now and into the future.
“The housing and homelessness client rates in Mitchell Shire are 17.39 people per 1000 residents,” he said.
“This is 8.42 per cent greater than metropolitan Melbourne. New properties to support the reduction of the housing and homelessness client rate now will ensure it does not worsen in future.”
“Affordable housing is an issue facing all communities and this is a great opportunity to make a difference in Mitchell Shire, to deliver additional housing options and real opportunities for low income earners.
“We are pleased to have worked with BeyondHousing and thank them, along with the Victorian Government, for delivering a project of this kind in our shire. Housing is one of the first things we need to sort out for people at risk of homelessness.”
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