Media Release by Senator the Hon Mark Arbib

Australian Government invests $11.8 million in social housing for Geelong

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Richard Marles MP, Member for Corio
  • The Hon Darren Cheeseman MP, Member for Corangamite

Older Australians and people at risk of homelessness in Geelong will benefit from the opening of two new social housing developments built with the help of $11.8 million in Gillard Government funding.

At the opening today Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman said the projects which were funded through the Australian Government’s Social Housing Initiative, would give some of the community’s most vulnerable a place to call home.

“Finding a safe and affordable place to live in the local area not only gives you peace of mind, it is also an important part of staying connected with your community,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“These two developments will give some of the most vulnerable people in the Geelong community a stable place to live.”

Mr Cheeseman said the Highton development was built with the help of $8 million from the Gillard Government, consists of 34 one-bedroom units.

“The Highton development will contain 34 one-bedroom units with each unit has been designed to be naturally ventilated,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“Each unit has ample internal space to promote universal access, and on-going tenancy for elderly people who may have limited mobility. All the units meet class C universal design requirements and are six-star energy rated.”

Mr Marles said the Manifold Heights development was built with the help of $3.8 million from the Gillard Government,

“The development consists of six new units and eight renovated units to make them more accessible for people with limited mobility. All units have a six star energy rating and are wheelchair accessible with modern bathrooms and built in storage,” Mr Marles said.

Senator 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, 19,600 homes are being constructed across the nation and will be completed by June 2012; 14,800have already been completed.

“Through this Initiative, we have also supported more than 15,000 jobs, and helped shield Australia from the recession that hit most other economies.