29 new social housing dwellings about to open in Belmont

Developers of social housing projects are using a planning fast-track system implemented by the State Government to bypass lengthy local government approvals processes.

A 29-home Belmont social housing project was the first approved through the system, designed to help the industry bring new homes to the market quickly.

The $7m development is a partnership between Housing Choices Australia and Homes Victoria and was built on land provided by Geelong-based aged and disability services provider genU.

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The two double-storey buildings nearing completion were designed by Kennedy Nolan Architects with rooftop solar, private balconies, double-glazed windows and are positioned to maximise cross-ventilation, shade and access to communal gardens.

Water-efficient fixtures, recirculated water are also fitted.

The development replaces a previous 11-unit complex built in the 1950s.

This dwellings will house people on the priority list of the Victorian Housing Register, including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, aged and disability pensioners, and women and children escaping family violence.

But Housing Choices Australia project manager Michael Mikulic said tenants of the previous complex were given first choice to move back in.

He said 17 residents were expected to become the first new residents in the coming weeks.

Housing Choices Australia chief financial officer Brian Motz said the project was sent straight to the planning minister for approval, through plans also had to go to the Victorian Government Architect for assessment and the body engaged with Geelong’s council planners on the development.

The state government has invested more than $200m in Geelong to build 563 new social housing dwellings through the Big Housing Build and other social housing programs, 341 of which have been completed.

But Housing Minister Harriet Shing said more needed to be done to boost home building in general and the government had issued targets to councils to accommodate future growth, including almost 140,000 in Greater Geelong.

“We know that with our population soaring, we need to take care of affordability and availability now and that in order to take the pressure off the housing system into the future to alleviate and prevent the risk of an enormous increase to homelessness and to rough sleeping,” Ms Shing said.

“We have to be building homes that people are able to access, whether that’s through private rental, through the owner-occupier market or indeed within the social housing developments that we are prioritising.”

Ms Shing said the planning minister has powers to call in particularly projects independently, but the state government was also pulling on other levels to fast-track home building, such as expediting planning approvals.

“We’re working very closely with councils to understand their priorities in future growth and development.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the properties enjoyed a spectacular view.

“We know that in past history we have a lot of public housing out there that isn’t actually where people want to live, or even in the most prettiest suburbs.

“So for those people moving in to accommodation, this is spectacular.

“It’s about pride, about being respected, living in a community where you have these spectacular views but also your neighbours around you.”