Neighbouring Moira and Greater Shepparton local government areas are enjoying a social housing boom, with Beyond Housing set to complete construction of 44 new properties within a few weeks.
The housing support charity completed 19 properties in March and is on track to finish a further 25 in April. Nine of these houses have been funded by Homes Victoria, with the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation funding the other 35.
Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams said these houses would make a profound difference in the lives of locals.
“These new homes will provide housing for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These are people whose kids go to school, who volunteer, who play for their local sports teams, and who are part of their communities,” she said.
“The homes will allow people to remain part of their community and provide a place where they can grow and thrive.”
Beyond Housing owns and manages more than 1000 homes across the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions and is on track to build a further 319 by the end of 2027. These houses are rented to people on the Victorian Housing Register at below-market rates.
During the 2024-25 financial year, Beyond Housing’s properties saved its renters more than $3.9 million compared to market rent, made all the more significant by the current cost-of-living crisis.
Ms Adams said social housing, like the properties in Moira and Shepparton, benefit their communities as well as the people renting them.
“Having safe and affordable housing makes a profound impact on people’s lives. It also helps the region economically,” she said.
“These houses across Moira and Shepparton are being delivered by three different local builders, which is fantastic for our communities. It means employment, including for trades, apprentices, and local suppliers.
“We also know from research that it costs government less to provide social housing to people experiencing homelessness than it does to leave them sleeping rough, so these houses are not just helpful to their tenants, but society more broadly.”
The projects were completed by Sessions Builders, B&Co and Olympus Crest.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Harriet Shing
“It’s partnerships like these that are delivering bright, modern, energy efficient homes for vulnerable Victorians.”
“Our work to build new social and affordable housing across the state is ongoing, and sits alongside a range of programs and supports to assist families to manage cost of living pressures.”