General News
26 January, 2022
Projects receive funding boost
THE State Government has announced funding for more housing in Timboon and Simpson in an effort to address workforce shortages.
THE State Government has announced funding for more housing in Timboon and Simpson in an effort to address workforce shortages.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas visited Timboon last week to unveil a $2 million Labor Government investment in to new residential housing developments in Timboon and Simpson.
The funding will enable Corangamite Shire Council to unlock residential development by providing essential infrastructure including water, power, telecommunication and sewage connections, footpaths and drainage at the two sites.
The project will develop up to 140 residential blocks across the two sites for the Great South Coast’s growing population and for workers during peak tourism periods.
Ms Thomas said the funding aims to address both housing and workforce shortages in regional Victoria, while providing a boost to employment and the local economy.
“As Minister for Regional Development, the number one issue raised with me wherever I go is housing,” she said.
“The housing challenge is a chicken and egg issue along with workforce, but what we know right across regional Victoria is that it’s the best place to live, work and rest if you can find a house.
“What we see, and COVID has exacerbated, is the shortage of the right housing in the right place.
“You have this spectacular beauty here which is just driving people to want to come and live here, but you also have a demand for tourism and agricultural workforces.”
She said she was delighted to announce the funding under the regional workforce pilot program.
“This will enable Corangamite Shire to unlock this spectacular land in Timboon and to enable the unlocking of privately owned land in Simpson,” she said.
“To be able to unlock this part of regional Victoria for additional housing is something I am so proud to be able to announce, and I am looking forward to working with Corangamite Shire mayor Ruth Gstrein and the shire to deliver this.
“I see innovation being driving by our regional councils, it’s where the great ideas are coming from, and as the Minister for Regional Development I want to work in partnership to bring on housing which is suitable in meeting the economic demand and is suitable for the environment.
“I also want to ensure that families who have lived here for generations have housing options so their children can continue to live here.”
Corangamite Shire mayor Ruth Gstrein said the shire was delighted to receive the funding.
She said the developments would be transformational for Timboon and Simpson in enabling growth, with up to 40 lots to be developed in Timboon and up to 100 in Simpson.
“Housing is so important in small towns, so we are invested in finding housing and unlocking residential land suitable for housing,” she said.
“In Timboon, subdivisions have opened up and lots have gone gangbusters, the same in Port Campbell, so where do we house our workers?
“If you get a job in the country, the first question is where can they rent or buy?
“It’s fantastic to be working with the State Government, and we will be working closely with them over the next year or so to get this project up and running.”
This investment forms part of the State Government’s $5 million Regional Workforce Pilots, which have been developed to address workforce challenges in parts of regional and rural Victoria.
Pilot sites are being developed in five regions across the state, including in the Great South Coast to support coordination between local, state and Commonwealth governments and test solutions to workforce shortages which can include addressing housing and accommodation shortages.
For more information about these initiatives visit rdv.vic.gov.au.