The Johnsons Road Residential Development in Mernda is poised for a transformative leap forward thanks to a Federal Government housing boost.
One of five areas to receive fast-tracked housing through the government’s Housing Support Program, other areas include the Calder Highway in Marong, Morwell in the Latrobe Valley, Ararat, and Beaufort.
The $35.8 million investment will enable infrastructure such as those for roads, sewage, and water to be built, unlocking up to 3149 more homes across the state, and additionally supporting access to social housing.
Situated at the end of the Mernda train line, the government will invest $7.1 million in the City of Whittlesea to enable the establishment of 35 new housing lots through new road and civil infrastructure.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Aidan McLindon welcomed the funding.
“The City of Whittlesea welcomes this critical $7.1 million investment in the Johnsons Road residential development in Mernda,” he said.
“This funding will deliver essential infrastructure to support 35 housing lots, of which three will be affordable housing, providing much-needed homes close to schools, services, and public transport.
“This project is an exciting step forward in addressing housing supply and creating vibrant, connected communities in our municipality.”
The development is located near existing services and schools, which will also feature the urbanisation of Johnsons Road and the establishment of shared paths, public space, and protection of existing mature trees.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King, and Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell met with City of Whittlesea Councillor Jarrod Lappin to make the announcement last Thursday at the Mernda site.
Ms King said the housing would support the Mernda community.
“It is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the amenities that are here in this district … it’s really a substantial investment in bringing more housing lots to market,” she said.
“[What we found] is that because of the costs of some of this infrastructure … those lots are just not being released for housing at all.
“People are land banking, sitting, waiting, for some of those lots to be defrayed, and they’re not coming to market, so this will bring those 35 lots to market very quickly.”
Mr Mitchell stated that the announcement represented a collaborative effort aimed at unlocking the potential for more homes.
“We’re all working together to build better communities,” he said.
“We’re actually about building Australia’s future. Today’s announcement … is something that is so important about helping unlock the housing crisis that we inherited when we came together.”
Cr Lappin, who represents the Mernda Ward, said the project would drive positive growth in the area.
“These projects here are very, very important for these areas, especially Mernda, being a growth area,” he said.
“It’s established, but it is growing new estates coming in.”
