Community Housing Industry Association Victoria says the Andrews Government's $1 billion Regional Housing Fund will provide a much needed boost to social and affordable housing in the regions and improve the lives of thousands of Victorians.
In announcing the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed at least 1,300 social and affordable homes would be built across regional Victoria, beyond the hubs that would have hosted the event.
CHIA Vic acting CEO Jason Perdriau said the additional homes will leave a lasting impact now and for generations.
"This investment will be life-changing for the many regional Victorians who are in hardship as a result of the housing crisis," Mr Perdriau said.
"The Regional Housing Fund will deliver homes that are desperately needed. We know more than 36,000 households in regional Victoria are experiencing homelessness, housing stress or living in overcrowded homes - additional social and affordable housing will make a difference.
"Investment in social housing is an investment in the economic prosperity of Victoria. Safe, stable, affordable housing can ease pressure placed on our hospitals, judicial system and community services, and improve the liveability of our suburbs.
"This $1 billion boost complements the Victorian Government's historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build program, as well as the Federal Government's recently announced Social Housing Accelerator that committed $496 million to the state.
"Today's announcement comes as the Victorian Government considers other major reforms to planning and housing supply. This provides a critical opportunity to deliver a long-term plan and investment pipeline for social and affordable housing that spans electoral and economic cycles and creates a fairer housing system for all Victorians."
