By Molly Magennis
Hobsons Bay council is seeking state government funding for a social housing project in Laverton.
Council will apply for funding for the housing project in Epsom street through the Big Housing Build initiative, in the hope to ensure those on low to moderate incomes can continue to live within their local community and be supported through local organisations.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the project is a long-held dream for the Laverton community, which has been in the pipeline since 2014 after council purchased the site of the former Laverton Primary School.
“Rental prices in Hobsons Bay have risen substantially over the past decade and many residents have been priced out of the rental market and compelled to move away from their schools, workplaces and support networks,” he said.
“The Big Housing Build is offering us the opportunity to access funds to turn this vision into a reality and ensure that people experiencing rental stress or difficulty securing a long term home can stay within their own community where they are familiar and often have strong connections.”
The proposed development would be a mix of quality low to medium rise dwellings, with a maximum of four storeys, with occupants subject to rent capped at a proportion of their earnings, usually 25-30 per cent.
Jessica is a 60-year-old Hobsons Bay resident who has been on the waitlist for affordable housing for 17 years.
She said after enquiring about her housing status, she was told she was still at the bottom of the list because she doesn’t have kids.
“If I had a stable and affordable home it would take a massive load off my shoulders and I would have money to be able to buy things like meat that doesn’t come from a can, something I haven’t been able to afford for a long time,” she said.
“Our aim is to create dignified, safe and accessible affordable housing options which will contribute to the amenity of the local area,” said Cr Hemphill.
“We are currently seeking community input into the draft design guidelines which will determine factors such as the height of the dwellings and the mix of townhouses and apartments.”
Details: www.participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/epsomstreetaffordablehousing
