Housing boost for south

By Sarah Schwager
MELBOURNE’S southern suburbs are set to receive $34.6 million in funding from a new public housing works program.
Housing Minister Candy Broad announced last week that the money was part of $213 million set aside in the public housing budget for initiatives in areas across Victoria.
Ms Broad said the funding would deliver more homes and make existing properties safer and more comfortable for tenants. “We know that some lowincome families are struggling to get a home of their own in the current housing market, so delivering more homes is one way to tackle the difficult issue of housing affordability,” Ms Broad said.
She said the housing works program would deliver 43 homes to Melbourne’s south at a cost of $7.1 million while the remaining $27.5 million would fund safety and amenity upgrades to more than 460 houses across the region.
Suburbs to benefit include Carrum Downs, Cranbourne, Dandenong, Hampton Park, Mornington, Noble Park, Pakenham and Springvale.
Works will range from bathroom and kitchen repairs, painting, replacement of floor coverings and safety upgrades to major improvements such as fencing, landscaping and lighting.
“The Bracks Government believes that every Victorian deserves a decent place to live,” Ms Broad said.
The new works are in addition to the package of construction projects announced in April as part of the Melbourne 2030 Housing Boost. It includes delivery of the previously announced 15unit project in Dandenong.