Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Hume City welcomes community housing upgrade progress

Hume City Council has welcomed news that Broadmeadows’ Banksia Gardens social housing neighbourhood will undergo a major transformation, backed by State and Federal Government funding initiatives. 

An $80 million investment from the Australian Government’s Social Housing Accelerator and the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build is a big win for both current and future residents of the Coleraine Street development, said Hume City Mayor, Joseph Haweil. 

“Everyone deserves access to safe and affordable housing, and this funding will ensure the living standards at Banksia Gardens are greatly improved while also providing a home for our most vulnerable residents,” said the Mayor.

“It’s wonderful to see Hume City Council’s ongoing commitment to improvement at Banksia Gardens has received the support from the Big Housing Build it so desperately needs.” 

The project will see 120 new, energy efficient social homes built on vacant land and upgraded facilities including new cycling and pedestrian pathways. 

The Banksia Gardens redevelopment is just the second of its kind to be announced in Victoria under the national Accelerator scheme, said Mayor Haweil.

“Hume City Council sees this as recognition of its more than 10 years of advocacy for change at Banksia Gardens,” he said.

“We know that this funding will change the lives of current residents of Banksia Gardens as well as giving many more in our community a desperately needed roof over their heads, while also restoring pride in the Broadmeadows community. 

“We look forward to seeing construction of these new homes get underway next year, followed by the creation of a masterplan by the State Government for the long-term renewal and improvements for the entire Banksia Gardens neighbourhood. 

“Our community deserves the best, and we’ve made it clear that the homes and facilities at Banksia Gardens must reflect that quality for both now and into the future,” the Mayor said.

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