Target for 8000 new homes

ABOUT 300 homes will need to be built each year in the Mildura municipality if a Victorian Government draft housing target is to be met.

The Government announced targets for every local government area on Sunday, including Mildura’s target of 8000 new homes by 2051.

Also earmarked were 1500 new homes in the Swan Hill municipality, 300 in Yarriambiack Shire, and 100 in Buloke Shire.

The government suggested that locations of the homes should largely be based on proximity to jobs, transport and services.

Councils would be called upon to propose changes to local planning rules to help aid the process.

Mildura Council strategy and growth manager Peter Alexander said land availability wouldn’t be an issue.

“With the strategic planning work we have already completed, and work still underway, we’re confident there will be more than enough land supply in our municipality to meet the Victorian Government’s draft targets,” Mr Alexander said.

“However, until we have more detailed information about the draft targets it’s difficult for us to comment any further at this point.

“Along with other Loddon-Mallee councils, we’re meeting with Victorian Government representatives next week to seek this additional detail.”

Between the 2016 and 2021 Census counts, the Mildura municipality averaged 254 new dwellings per year.

There were 255 dwellings approved to be built in the municipality last financial year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Mallee Accommodation & Support Program welcomed the Government’s announcement, dubbing the targets a “positive move for the Mallee”.

MASP acting chief executive Charmaine Calis said more houses in the market would be a net positive for both regional Victoria, and Far West NSW communities whose main services are Victoria-based.

“However, we acknowledge the immediate need for solutions to meet community needs, and this is something we will continue to advocate for and work with funding partners such as the Victorian Government to provide,” Mrs Calis said.

“MASP also recognises homelessness goes beyond simply buildings alone, and we remain committed to not only provide housing solutions but also to empower the community to be free from homelessness, abuse, poverty, and disadvantage.”