City of Whittlesea has received $600,000 in funding for use towards the development and planning of the municipality’s recently set housing target.
The funding follows the State Government’s housing target announcement in June, in which City of Whittlesea was earmarked to build another 87,000 homes to accommodate for the growing population – one of the largest requests of the State.
One of 80 projects across Australia that will receive funding under the Housing Support Program, the funding will aim to support the delivery of the housing target efficiently and effectively.
It will aim to provide funding for enabling infrastructure that supports housing growth, such as roads and utility connections, and community amenities like parks, footpaths, and public spaces.
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell stated the funding was a critical aspect in meeting the State’s goal.
“The Albanese Government’s Housing Support Program is helping to turbo-charge infrastructure planning so we can deliver more homes, more quickly, for more Australians,” he said.
“It’s a critical part of the Government’s plan to work with states and territories to help them meet the ambitious national target to build 1.2 million well-located new homes.
“I urge all councils, and state and territory government to submit their projects for the second stream of the program so we can work together to get more homes on the ground, faster.”
Noting the Program was part of a larger plan, Mr Mitchell stated the housing goal would benefit all Australians.
“The Housing Support Program is an integral part of our Government’s $32 billion Homes for Australia plan,” he said.
“Our Homes for Australia plan is working across the board – more help for renters, more help for homebuyers, and more help for Australians needing a safe place for the night.”
City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson welcomed the grants.
“The City of Whittlesea welcomes the two grants from the first stream of the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program,” she said.
“The grants will support the planning and delivery of high-quality homes in established and growth neighbourhoods in the municipality, to help meet the housing demands of a rapidly growing population.
“One of the grants will support strategic planning work to unlock potential housing and employment opportunities in the vicinity of Thomastown train station.
“The second grant will enable Council to develop a visual guide on how to achieve best practice design and sustainability outcomes when planning new neighbourhoods. This guide will support the development industry, community, and planners to create great neighbourhoods, places, and homes for local communities.”
Stream 2 of the Program closes 5pm, August 16.
To apply, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/housing-support-program.