More homes mean opportunity - that's why the Allan Labor Government is driving home building and infrastructure funding and slashing upfront costs everywhere in the state, including in Victoria's regional centres and towns.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Housing Harriet Shing today visited Myers St, Bendigo - where 73 social homes are being delivered as part of the Big Housing Build - to announce more support for cities, towns and councils as they continue to grow.
Support for communities to build more infrastructure
The Allan Labor Government will create a simpler, fairer system for property developers to contribute to funding for local infrastructure, parks and services in the areas where they build more homes.
Through this plan, cities and towns that build more homes will get more funding for the things they need, like roads, paths, public transport, schools, health and community facilities, plus parks, sporting fields, open space - and more.
Under the Government's plan, a developer contributions system would - for the first time - serve all communities in regional Victoria, not just some. Only 14 of the state's regional councils - or less than one third - apply some type of developer contribution when additional homes are built on a site. It's part of why the system needs change.
The Government will work with key members of its Housing Affordability Partnership to deliver long-term change. This working group will meet from November 2024 to look at models for change and find a potential system that works for industry, councils, Government, and communities. It will report back in March 2025.
Regional Victoria is incredibly different to Melbourne, and Government can announce that this review will specifically look at the unique infrastructure needs of rural and regional Victoria - so those needs can be met.
The long-term reform will build on the more than $35 billion the Labor Government has invested in regional Victoria to upgrade schools, parks, tracks, trails, health services, and transport - including every single regional train line.
Support for Victorians who deserve the security and dignity of a home
That's why the Labor Government will deliver 1,300 social and affordable homes right across Victoria through the $1 billion Regional Housing Fund. The Fund is all about making sure that everyone has the dignity of a roof over their head - no matter where in Victoria they live. Today, the Government can announce the regions where the first 1,000 homes will go:
