Catholic Care Victoria has taken a significant step towards alleviating the housing crisis in the Golden Plains region, formally applying to the Victorian Government for approval to construct a new social housing development in the growing township of Bannockburn.
A Detailed Plan for Community Support
The proposed project, to be located at 8-10 High Street, involves the construction of a substantial 30-unit residential complex. This development is specifically designed to provide safe, secure, and affordable accommodation for individuals and families who are struggling in the private rental market. The application, now before the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, outlines a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom dwellings to cater to diverse household needs.
This initiative is a direct response to the severe shortage of affordable housing options in the area. Bannockburn, like many communities in regional Victoria, has seen immense pressure on its housing stock due to population growth and rising living costs. The project represents a multi-million dollar investment into community infrastructure aimed at supporting vulnerable residents.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles and Building Consensus
The path to this application has involved careful negotiation and design adjustments. Earlier concept plans were reviewed by the Golden Plains Shire Council, which raised concerns regarding the building's height, scale, and potential traffic impacts. In a collaborative response, Catholic Care Victoria revised its designs to better align with local character and planning guidelines.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Brett Cunningham acknowledged the critical need the project addresses, stating that while the council maintains some reservations about the density, the provision of social housing is a vital component of the shire's future. The council has ultimately chosen not to oppose the application, recognising the overarching benefit to the community.
The Road Ahead and Regional Impact
With the application now in the hands of the state government, a decision is anticipated in the coming months. If approved, the development will proceed under the oversight of the Victorian Government's Big Housing Build initiative, a landmark program committing to the construction of thousands of new social and affordable homes across the state.
The Bannockburn project is more than just a construction plan; it is a potential lifeline for dozens of local households. It promises to provide stability for essential workers, older residents, and families, allowing them to remain part of the community they call home. The success of this application could also set a precedent for similar much-needed developments in other high-growth regional centres across the Geelong and Surf Coast hinterlands.
As the community awaits the government's verdict, the proposal stands as a test case for how effectively state policy can translate into tangible local solutions for Australia's deepening housing affordability challenge.
