- 120 social and affordable homes will be built in the Bendigo suburb of Eaglehawk
- Central Bendigo has recorded strong price growth over recent years
- Funding will come from the state government's Big Housing Build program
As part of its ambitious social housing program, the Victorian government has announced at least 120 social, affordable and private homes will be built in Bendigo.
Richard Wynne, Minister for Housing, said the Eaglehawk project would create 117 direct and 410 indirect jobs.
Affordable housing options will be in place to support key workforces throughout the city such as health, aged and disability care, along with education and emergency services.
Eaglehawk – 3556
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The $47 million project will commence next year, replacing 64 existing ageing homes in the area.
As part of the announcement, Mr Wynne confirmed that the government would work closely with residents who need to temporarily relocate. Current residents will have the first option to return to the new homes upon completion.
The social housing program falls under the Big Housing Build which has allocated $1.25 billion towards housing in regional areas. Greater Bendigo will receive a minimum $85 million investment.
“We’re making sure regional Victoria shares the benefit of our record $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the largest single investment in social and affordable housing by any government in Australia’s history,” said Mr Wynne.
Although weekly asking prices have declined in recent months, central Bendigo has witnessed strong growth since 2017, with all house prices rising from $363,031 in January 2017 to $529,859 peak in February of this year.
Bendigo – 3550
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Greater Bendigo is home to more than 100,000 people – making it the 19th largest city in the country.
“It’s so exciting to see plans for new modern, comfortable housing in the heart of Eaglehawk that will cater to health, aged and disability care workers, and those who need it most,” added Maree Edwards, the Member for Bendigo.
