$3.9 million for new homes in Bendigo
One hundred new homes will be more affordable in Bendigo thanks to funding received under the Gillard Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program.
The City of Greater Bendigo will receive $3.9 million to help reduce the cost of building local infrastructure needed for a new housing development in the Viewpoint Huntly Estate, Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor announced today.
In turn, the savings will be passed on to eligible new home buyers through a grant of $38,800.
Turning the sod today, Mr O’Connor also announced the builders for the 100 lots will be JG King and Metricon Homes.
“We know that housing shortages are creating challenges in growing regional communities like Bendigo,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We believe the best way to improve housing affordability is to increase housing supply.
“Under the Building Better Regional Cities program, we are funding Bendigo Council to construct sewer works and water services as well as upgrade roadways and the central park area within Viewpoint Huntly Estate.
“Thanks to this investment, up to 100 more affordable house and land packages in the Viewpoint Huntly Estate will be made available to low to moderate income earners through a grants ballot to be allocated by Ethan Affordable Housing.
“This investment will increase the supply of affordable homes for sale and rent and help alleviate housing supply pressures in the local community.
“There are many regional centres like Bendigo where rapid population growth is forcing up house prices and rents.”
The Building Better Regional Cities program is part of the Government’s record $20 billion investment in housing and homelessness programs to help to address housing affordability around the nation.
The program helps councils and developers with the costs of building infrastructure needed for new developments, such as roads, bridges and sewerage works, as well as parks, community centres, and recreation facilities.
The more than $100 million program is helping to fund infrastructure projects in 16 regional communities across Australia, to help low to moderate income earners living in regional centres to get a start in the property market.