Michaela Meade
More social housing is needed in Hume, according to mayor Joseph Haweil.
Homes Victoria recently announced a social housing project in Sunbury as part of the state government’s Big Housing Build.
While the project has been welcomed by council, it has called on Homes Victoria to commit to more projects in other parts of the municipality.
“I would ask Homes Victoria to do what we’ve been asking them to from day dot, and that’s to have a collaborative approach to this,” Cr Haweil said.
“This is our area, no one knows it better than us.”
Cr Haweil said council officials had a meeting with Home Victoria chief executive Ben Rimmer last month, where there was “no mention” of the most recent projects.
“All I can say is how disappointed I am that when there’s a very important decision made, we are finding out once again through the media,” Cr Haweil said.
“An announcement has been made with no consultation with us.”
Homes Victoria was approached for comment.
Nine social housing properties will be built in Epping as part of the Big Housing Build, while 48 will be built in Lalor, 11 in Wollert and 10 in Bundoora.
Whittlesea council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said housing for people on low incomes was urgently needed.
“One in five households in the city of Whittlesea is classified as having a very low income and we know many families and people who are working in essential jobs such as childcare, health care, hospitality and retail are facing housing stress,” Ms Wilson said.
“Council welcomes the Victorian government’s investment through the Big Build Program funding to help address this critical shortage.
“It is another step in ensuring the provision of local housing for local people which is affordable.”
