Minister for Housing Richard Wynne said the jobs would be created by the government’s $40 million Big Housing Build.
“New homes delivered as part of the Big Housing Build will meet an average minimum seven-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme energy-efficiency standard to support a comfortable living environment and low energy costs,” Mr Wynne said.
“This is higher than the six-star standard mandatory across Victoria,” he said.
“Where it is feasible, new homes will also have energy-efficient reverse-cycle airconditioning and hot water systems and solar power systems, which substantially reduce power bills and improve thermal comfort for tenants.”
The timeline and location of the build is yet to be released.
Mr Wynne said 180 houses in the Mallee received airconditioning in 2019-20 as part of the government’s Energy Smart Public Housing project.
In addition, up to 2000 public housing properties in climate zone four – which includes the Mildura, Buloke and Yarriambiack LGAs in the Mildura electorate – will receive airconditioning as part of a $112 million package announced in the 2020-21 State Budget.
Ms Cupper said the public housing investment and airconditioning rollout was game-changing for some of our most vulnerable people.
“To have a program providing $40 million in public housing, as well as a separate airconditioning rollout for current stock, will make such a difference to so many people’s lives,” she said.
“On top of that, to have 360 full-time construction jobs created will be a boost as we look to the economic recovery phase of COVID-19.”
