General News
27 October, 2024
Hope steady for funds for housing
At the September council meeting, Yarriambiack Shire Council announced they had applied for $6 million in funding through the Commonwealth Housing Support Program (HSP).
Cr Corinne Heintze said it would be very exciting for the local area if the funding was approved.
"It's been a bit of a downfall to date, that there are blocks of lands available but there's no servicing," she said.
"To get this money I think, would be a real positive to the town.
"Let's hope that it's successful."
The Commonwealth Government has committed to $1.5 billion to the HSP to help achieve the National Housing Accord's target of building 1.2 million new and well-located homes over the next five years.
Cr Tom Hamilton said lack of housing has been a huge problem for the area.
"We've been unsuccessful in some things, and very successful in others, but I'm very proud that, as council, we still play in this space," he said.
"I hope we continue to do it in the future, because it's hugely important to keep in our communities."
Subject to securing funding, four major projects are to be added to council's Capital Works Program for 2024/25.
Fourteen independent living units for senior residents would be built at 34 Anderson Street, Warracknabeal, in partnership with Dunmunkle Lodge - a $2,886,204 project.
Hopetoun Old School Site would be developed into a 10 residential lot, covering around two hectares of land, totalling $1,525,128 and including establishment of roads, drainage systems, sewer and water networks, power services, and site preparation and earthworks.
The third project - the Murtoa Lakeside Sewer and Water Scheme Extension project - would enable housing development to take place near Lake Marma, and involves installing $1,130,000 worth of sewer and water mains, connecting over 20 properties, in collaboration with GWMWater and CHA Group Australia.
And Gibson Street, Rupanyup, would also see a housing infrastructure development project for eight new residential lots, with $594,397 used to prepare the land for immediate sale and housing construction, in collaboration with Rupanyup Future Fund, RMG Driscolls and CHA Group Australia.
The results of the funding applications are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Mayor Kylie Zanker said council is hopeful in securing the funding for the four sorely-needed projects.
"These funding opportunities align with council's strategic objectives, and support housing options for our current community whilst investing in the future community needs," Cr Zanker said.
"Fingers and toes crossed that we are successful, as all four of these projects create housing opportunities within our shire, and funding to support this would be fantastic."