A new social housing development in Herbert Street will be a massive boost to affordable housing for low-income families and older people in and around Dandenong, thanks to a $13.6 million Brumby Labor Government investment.
Visiting the construction site today, Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the project was due for completion by the end of next year and would create 64 jobs and provide 92 new homes for local people in need.
“The Brumby Labor Government is working to build and support communities like Dandenong by delivering affordable homes and jobs for Victorians,” Mr Wynne said. “This site is an excellent location for affordable housing for older people and people on low incomes in Dandenong.”
“The project is a partnership between Governments and housing and aged care providers that will make a significant difference to affordable housing availability in Dandenong.”
The Brumby Labor Government is providing 75 per cent of the project funding, thanks to the Social Housing National Partnership Agreement between the State and Commonwealth Governments.
In addition, more than $4.5 million is being contributed by not-for-profit housing association Common Equity Housing which will manage 60 of the homes, with the remaining 32 to be sold to Doutta Galla Aged Services, a not-for-profit aged care agency.
Mr Wynne said the new homes would be perfectly located for residents to access local services.
“With nearby shops, community services and transport facilities, this site is an excellent location for affordable housing for older people and people on low incomes in Dandenong,” Mr Wynne said.
“The development will comprise 16 one-bedroom and 44 two-bedroom units and residents will also have access to a new community space and a Men’s Shed.”
Mr Wynne said the homes would boast environmentally-sustainable design features, such as passive solar design to aid heating and natural ventilation, as well as water harvesting, water efficient fittings and appliances.
“We expect these features will allow the new homes to achieve a minimum six-star energy rating, which will lower living expenses for residents and minimise the development’s carbon footprint,” he said.
Mr Wynne said Common Equity Housing had arranged with the Dandenong RSL, which previously owned the site and ran it as a sports facility, to transfer 20 tenants currently living in older-style bed-sit units into the new units when complete.
“Tenants of the completed project will also have access to the RSL’s social and activities centre,” he said.