Council secures funding from Housing Support Program

Published on 12 July 2024

Council Secures $968,000 from Housing Support Program.

In a significant boost to local housing development, Murrindindi Shire Council has secured a $968,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program to facilitate the planning of additional housing in the eastern area of Alexandra.

This funding, the highest awarded to any Victorian council, will allow Council to assist in unlocking housing through the creation of the Alexandra East Development Plan (AEDP) and Service Plan.

This innovative approach to unlock housing land aims to streamline the process for landowners by removing cost barriers and providing certainty of planning requirements. The AEDP will speed up the approval process, making it easier to develop in this area, and will help address short and medium-term housing needs.

The completion of the AEDP and service planning overlays will help create a well-planned community with the right mix of houses, roads, and services that complement the character of Alexandra, now and for future generations. The plan will create a vibrant community in Alexandra and showcase best practice in planning, storm water management and climate resilience. It will open up more land for housing, which will help address the shortage of supply, offer diversity in housing and attract more residents, families and workers to Alexandra.

To find out more about the Housing Support Program, visit the Australian Government Infrastructure website or contact our Grants and Sponsorship team on (03) 5772 0333.

Council’s Planning and Compliance Portfolio Councillor Eric Lording said “The AEDP will lower development costs and accelerate approvals in Murrindindi Shire. This streamlined approach should make housing available to buyers and renters sooner. It will also support local services and tourism. Bringing in more families, especially those with parents who work, will keep the community strong. This is important for helping our local schools, the hospital, and businesses thrive.”