The Victorian Government’s record investment in public housing is helping to tackle the growing pressure on waiting lists in a tight rental market.
Housing Minister Richard Wynne today said the latest figures from the Office of Housing showed the public housing waiting list in the Hume region had increased slightly – by 41 people – in the September quarter.
“The Brumby Labor Government is making one of the biggest investments in affordable housing since the 1950’s to ensure vulnerable Victorians have a safe and secure place to call home,” Mr Wynne said.
“With the private rental market at a record high and all-time low vacancy rates, we know that housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing Victorian families.
“That’s why we have embarked on an ambitious statewide program to boost the supply of housing for those who need it most.
“Together with the Commonwealth Government, we’re spending $1.17 billion to build 4500 affordable new homes for Victorian families through the Nation Building initiative.
“Another 8500 affordable rental properties are being delivered under the National Rental Affordability Scheme, giving Victorians on low incomes affordable housing at 20 per cent below market rate.
“Furthermore, the Government has allocated an extra $500 million for an additional 2000 affordable properties by 2012.
“This is additional to the approximately 1000 properties the Victorian Government has added to its housing stock each year.”
Other recent affordable housing initiatives in the area include:
- 45 affordable homes in McLenna Street Mooroopna, due for completion next September;
- Eight affordable homes in Mt Kitchner Avenue, Marysville, due for completion next June;
- 36 affordable homes in Wyndham Street, Shepparton, to be completed later this year; and
- 11 affordable homes in Thomas Wedge Drive, Wangaratta, due for completion soon.
“These and dozens of other projects are proof of our Government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community,” Mr Wynne said.
Mr Wynne said the latest Office of Housing data shows the waiting list increased by 41 people in the Hume region - from 1,635 in June 2010 to 1,676 in September 2010.
The current waiting list information is available at www.housing.vic.gov.au.