General News
23 June, 2024
Loddon already better than Government house target
THE State Government wants Loddon Shire to be first in identifying where new homes can be built over the next 30 years. The shire has been set a target of 500 new homes by 2051 under a draft housing capacity targets released on Sunday. The draft...
THE State Government wants Loddon Shire to be first in identifying where new homes can be built over the next 30 years.
The shire has been set a target of 500 new homes by 2051 under a draft housing capacity targets released on Sunday.
The draft council housing targets have been largely based on access to jobs, transport and services, according to Premier Jacinta Allan.
Loddon’s draft target averages 16 new homes a year, a number consistently exceeded in the shire for the last five years.
Council earlier this year released a report it had commissioned from Villawood Properties to unlock residential development in Loddon towns.
A housing expo is planned for September in Bridgewater where earthworks have started on the first stage of a major residential estate that alone could have up to 60 new homes when all land is released.
Lack of housing has been cited by several Loddon employers as hampering staff recruitment.
The Government on Sunday said: “In regional cities and rural areas, the targets will also help deliver more new homes in cities and towns to boost key worker and affordable housing.
“Councils have the powers to unlock space for more homes by proposing changes to local planning rules. The Government will consult closely with councils to harness their local knowledge.”