Housing
Chris COUZENS (Geelong) (10:19): Last week I joined the team from Homes Victoria, the local office, and Alchemy Construct to celebrate the start of construction for the Geelong social housing project being delivered through the Victorian government’s Big Housing Build. The design of the 54 homes in Geelong includes features like double-glazed windows, making it easier for renters to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. This new housing is also perfectly situated near Geelong city centre, giving residents great access to goods and services they need, as well as being close to public transport. A highlight of this development is the importance of social procurement, providing opportunities to engage local First Nations businesses and trades. We will also see the involvement of apprentices, cadets and trainees. It is providing opportunities for local people to build their skills and work on a building of this size.
This project is just one of hundreds being delivered by the state government as part of the Big Housing Build. To date, the Big Housing Build has delivered an investment of $194 million with 1931 jobs created in the Greater Geelong local government area. As part of the Big Housing Build and other funding streams, we have completed over 470 new homes. We are also in the process of maintaining and upgrading 1477 homes in the area. There is real excitement across Geelong with the commencement of this build. The Allan Labor government is committed to making the new homes a safe, connected and thriving place for the residents that will live there.