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The Brumby Labor Government is expanding its record commitment to providing affordable housing for vulnerable Victorians, with another 4,500 new subsidised private rental homes to be made available.
Housing Minister Richard Wynne made the announcement today with Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson at the launch of the Victorian Integrated Housing Strategy in Kensington.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address issues faced by home buyers, private renters, people living in social housing and homeless people,” Mr Wynne said.
“As part of this landmark strategy, the Brumby Labor Government will deliver a $177 million incentive package to the private sector to build 4,500 new private rental homes in Victoria for low and moderate income families as part of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).
“This extra investment is on top of the 3,000 NRAS homes already committed by the Brumby Labor Government’s partnership with the Rudd Labor Government.
“The new package will help us deliver on our commitment to create more diverse and affordable housing options, a greater supply of housing, better designed homes, tighter security for renters and reduce the incidence of homelessness.”
Speaking at the site of Victoria’s showcase in the integration of public and private housing, at the Kensington redevelopment site, Mr Wynne said the Brumby Labor Government would work with the construction industry, developers, investors, community organisations, housing agencies and other levels of government to address the state’s future housing needs.
“Meeting the demands of strong population growth, an ageing population, climate change and other economic, social and environmental changes poses significant challenges for Victoria’s housing sector,” Mr Wynne said.
Mr Robinson said improving the regulatory framework for private rental housing was also part of the Strategy.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring the regulation of rental accommodation, especially student accommodation, caravan and residential parks and rooming houses,” he said.
“We are doing this because we want all Victorians have access to safe, secure and affordable housing that meets their needs.”
Planning Minister Justin Madden said the State's planning system, together with Melbourne @ 5 million and the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan, is already achieving the goals outlined in the Victorian Integrated Housing Strategy.
“We are already seeing more development in areas close to high quality transport, education and health services, employment opportunities and community and recreational facilities,” he said.
”Victoria’s planning system has undergone considerable reforms over recent years making it more streamlined to help deliver the priorities in the Victorian Integrated Housing Strategy.
“We are committed to finding more ways to utilise land in existing urban areas and accommodate more sustainable building designs for future generations.”
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