113 New Social Housing Units at Docklands

Vulnerable Melbourne residents, including seniors and people with disability, will benefit from a new social housing development opened today, supported by more than $22.9 million from the Australian Government.

Senator for Victoria Gavin Marshall welcomed the opening of ‘The Mariner’ in the Docklands, Melbourne which will offer safe and secure homes for people in need.

“This new development offers vulnerable Australians in our local community the security of having a stable place to live,” Senator Marshall said.

“The newly-completed 113 unit complex includes 85 units funded through the Social Housing Initiative, consisting of 41 two-bedroom and 44 one-bedroom units.

“All units incorporate six-star energy rating and seven are suitable for people with disability.

“I would like to thank Housing Choices Australia for its involvement and management of the complex.”

Federal Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib said the $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative was the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.

“The Social Housing Initiative, delivered under the Government’s stimulus package, is designed to assist low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market,” Senator Arbib said.

“Under the Initiative, around 19,600 homes are being constructed across the nation and will be completed by June 2012 – 15,700 of these have already been completed.

“In Victoria, we have delivered over 3,480 of more than 4,600 new homes we committed to deliver under the Social Housing Initiative, and repairs and maintenance have now been completed to over 9,300 homes across the state.

“Through the Initiative, the Australian Government has supported more than 15,000 jobs nationally, and helped shield Australia from the recession that hit most other economies.”