Affordable Housing Projects – Ministerial Response
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Original constituency question from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –
My question is for the Minister for Housing. How is the Allan Labor government supporting more affordable housing projects for my constituents in Ballarat?
I am so pleased that the Allan Labor government has approved 24 new one- and two-bedroom social homes in a four-storey building to be located at 119 Albert Street, Ballarat Central. Importantly, these new homes are within walking distance to essential healthcare services, shops, transport and green space. These uniquely designed purpose-built apartments will provide 24 modern and energy-efficient homes in the heart of the Ballarat CBD.
These new apartments will be more than just a home, because they are situated adjacent to Uniting services in Dana Street. Vulnerable community members will have access to ongoing support as they transition into safe and secure housing.
This is a $15 million housing project which will be a great boost to our local economy and jobs. I look forward to the minister’s response.
Response from the Hon. Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Housing and Building (21 May 2025) –
There is a growing demand across social, affordable and market housing options for Victorians, which is why the Victorian government is committed to increasing housing supply to address this need.
As the member highlighted, approval was recently provided for a $15.5 million project at Albert St, which is delivering 24 new one- and two-bedroom homes in Ballarat Central, close to healthcare, shops, transport and green space.
More broadly, the Victorian Government is committed to delivering positive social housing outcomes in Victoria, including in the City of Ballarat. Under the $6.3 billion Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund, we are building more social and affordable homes across Victoria. Since these programs began, more than 10,100 homes are completed or underway and more than 5,500 households have either moved or are getting ready to move into brand new homes.
Through programs including the Big Housing Build & Regional Housing Fund, $145.5 million has been invested in the City of Ballarat to deliver 238 new homes, with a further 143 new homes underway. In addition, 791 homes have, or are in the process of having, maintenance or upgrades completed in Ballarat, with an investment of $9 million.
Part of this investment includes building 181 modern, comfortable and energy-efficient homes in Delacombe, Ballarat. This will be a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes, and five per cent of the new homes will be fully accessible in line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The new homes will be located within new high-quality streets and upgraded open spaces that better respond to the community’s needs.
Demolition and site works were completed in 2024, with construction due to commence this year. Community and stakeholder consultation also begins this year so that the improvements to the neighbourhood and future homes deliver the best possible outcomes for the Delacombe community.
The Affordable Housing Partnerships Program has recently closed for applications and aims to fund 1,300 affordable homes. Proposals are currently being evaluated and contracting of projects will commence mid to late 2025.
This program will provide funding to Community Housing Providers and their partners to grow the supply of affordable housing across rural and regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. Thanks to this program, Victorians will have access to new homes where rent will be set at the lesser of 30 per cent of their income or 74.99 per cent of market rent.
The Victorian Government remains steadfast in our commitment to reducing homelessness and increasing housing accessibility across our state. We will continue to work to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, so they receive the assistance needed to secure stable, safe housing.