Yarriambiack Expresses Disappointment
Published on 17 January 2025
Yarriambiack Expresses Disappointment with the Federal Government's Housing Announcement
On Thursday 16 January the Federal Government announced the outcome of the Government's Housing Support Program, with $35.8 million being allocated to five projects to fast-track housing in regional and metropolitan growth areas.
Yarriambiack Shire Council submitted four project applications under the Commonwealth Housing Support Program, aiming to unlock land and connect infrastructure to reduce development barriers in their rural communities.
The following projects formed their applications for funding.
1. Rupanyup Gibson Street Housing Infrastructure Development
The project aims were to construct enabling infrastructure for an initial eight new residential lots in central Rupanyup with scope for an additional 9. Works included water, sewer & power connections, road construction, and associated civil works. This development will unlock land for housing in a strategic location approximately 300 metres from Rupanyup's town centre. Grant Request: $594,297.
2. Hopetoun Old School Site Housing Infrastructure Development
The project aim was to construct enabling infrastructure at the Hopetoun Old School Site to support future residential development. This included building roads, drainage systems, sewer & water networks, and power services. The works would cover approximately 2 hectares of land, preparing the site for up to 10 residential lots. Grant Request: $1,525,128.
3. Anderson Street Infrastructure Project: Enabling Retirement Living in Warracknabeal
The project aim was to construct essential infrastructure for a 9,838 sqm site in Warracknabeal, including roads, footpaths, drainage, and utility connections. This would enable the development of 14 independent living units for older residents, located 300 metres from the town centre. Grant request: $2,886,204.
4. Murtoa Lakeside Sewer and Water Scheme Extension: Enabling Housing Development Near Lake Marma
This project would extend sewer and water infrastructure to undeveloped land west of Lake Marma, Murtoa. It involved installing new sewer and water mains to connect over 20 properties, removing a significant barrier to residential development in this well-located area near the town centre. Grant Request: $1,130,000.
Mayor Kylie Zanker confirmed that "All projects had strong community support, with GWM Water assisting with the Murtoa Lakeside sewer and water scheme application."
Mayor Zanker stated, "We prepared our applications thoroughly and had master plans for the Hopetoun school site, along with a Feasibility Study and Business Case to support the application, which had previously been funded by Regional Development Victoria."
Mayor Zanker continued, "The Gibson Street project is spearheaded by the Rupanyup Future Fund. The Council contributed by gifting the land and supporting the funding application to facilitate the subdivision's completion."
"Our Council is working tirelessly on funding applications, spending money on consultants to assist with submitting applications to ensure that they are of the highest quality, leaving no stone unturned. It is disheartening when we work and try so hard, to be unsuccessful at each turn," stated Mayor Zanker.
The Council had previously applied for the State Government Regional Worker Accommodation Funding and was also unsuccessful.
"Australia is currently experiencing a housing crisis, and our region is significantly affected. We face a shortage of housing for essential workers in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, farming, police, and ambulance services. Additionally, the new hay processing plant under construction will attract more individuals to our Shire. While we welcome this development, we are deeply concerned about where these individuals will reside," stated Mayor Zanker.
"We are being informed that we will host renewable energy infrastructure and mining. If this happens through Federal and State Government agendas, where is the commitment and investment into our Shire and Region? Where is the forward planning?".
"We lack a public transport system capable of supporting a commuting workforce; therefore, it is imperative to have housing available in our towns immediately. We have devoted considerable time, energy, and resources into exploring and applying for grant opportunities. It is now essential for the Government to take action and engage with us."
Mayor Zanker concluded, "We welcome the Coalition's announcement to enhance home building across Australia, along with a $5 billion investment commitment through a new Housing Infrastructure Programme, with $1.5 billion of it committed to the regions. We strongly urge the Coalition to set aside a portion of that funding specifically for rural Council's so our projects can be realised. We also strongly urge the current government to do the same."
END OF RELEASE
Mayor Kylie Zanker
Yarriambiack Shire Council