General News
17 February, 2024
Units ready to call a 'home'
In an exciting development for Yarriambiack Shire, four affordable housing units have been successfully built: two in Murtoa and two in Woomelang.
In an exciting development for Yarriambiack Shire, four affordable housing units have been successfully built: two in Murtoa and two in Woomelang.
Construction has been possible thanks to $2.8 million in funding through the Regional Infrastructure Fund – Round 2, a state government grant opportunity that arose in 2022.
Yarriambiack mayor Kylie Zanker said she was grateful, adding that “the funding has allowed the realisation of council’s vision to offer alternative housing options for our older residents”.
“The primary goal is to provide downsizing opportunities into smaller, energy-efficient houses that require less maintenance, catering specifically to the needs of the aging population,” Cr Zanker stated.
The shire has collaborated with Dunmunkle Lodge to manage the units in Murtoa.
Following a thorough expression of interest and public notification process, council decided unanimously to enter into a 50-year lease agreement with Dunmunkle Lodge.
Cr Zanker highlighted the significance of this proactive partnership, emphasising the importance of securing funds for housing expansion and collaborating with a reputable not-for-profit, shire-based organisation for future management.
Dunmunkle Lodge CEO Peter Ballagh welcomed the partnership as a “commendable initiative that values enabling residents to stay longer in their communities”.
“The collaboration also opens up opportunities for residents to access additional services such as home and gardening maintenance services,” Mr Ballagh said.
Cr Zanker added, “The Murtoa units are complete and are ready for tenants.”
Mr Ballagh said “leases have been entered into and the new homes will soon be occupied”.
The official handover of both new and existing housing units in Murtoa to Dunmunkle Lodge will take place next Tuesday, February 20.
“The partnership not only benefits the new tenants but also presents an opportunity for them to sell existing properties in Murtoa, potentially making room for families to relocate to the shire,” Mr Ballagh said.
Cr Zanker said council thanked the Victorian Government for the funding and welcomed future opportunities to enhance the housing stock within the shire.
"The initiative stands as a positive example of effective collaboration between state government, local government and a not-for-profit organisation for community development," she said.