$2.17 million for social housing in Marysville

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor today welcomed the opening of a $2.17 million social housing development in Marysville, replacing two public housing estates lost during the Black Saturday bushfires.

“The residents of Marysville lost so much on Black Saturday and their strength in moving forward and rebuilding the community has been an inspiration,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The Gillard Government has been working closely with all the affected communities from the beginning to help survivors rebuild and these new homes will allow them to remain in their community.

“These six two-bedroom homes have six star energy ratings and, most importantly, have been built with a high bushfire attack level rating.

“These homes signify a new beginning for many people returning to the area.

“We can never replace everything that was lost in the fires, but we can help the people of Marysville have a safe and secure place to call home.”

Mr O’Connor thanked the Victorian Department of Human Services for its involvement and management of the facility.

The development is fully funded through the Australian Government’s Social Housing Initiative, which is designed to assist low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market.

The $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative is the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.

“We know that Australia is in the midst of a housing shortage, and this Government will continue to work tirelessly to provide affordable housing for Australia’s most vulnerable people,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Under the Social Housing Initiative, around 19,600 homes are being constructed across the nation and close to 17,500 of these have already been completed.

“In Victoria, we have delivered more than 3,900 new homes and carried out repairs and maintenance on more than 9,300 homes across the State.”