DESPITE much debate, the Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to providing the crucial affordable housing required to meet growing homelessness amidst diminishing rental affordability.
Council is seeking input from residents and businesses following a proposal to sell part of the land at 45 Parkside Drive, Shepparton, to facilitate a residential development for use as affordable housing for at-risk women and children.
On 21 December 2021, Council received a request from Women’s Housing Limited to provide in-principal support to purchase part of 45 Parkside Drive for approximately 45 dwellings with two or three bedrooms.
Women’s Housing Ltd is a Registered Housing Association with a long history of supporting vulnerable women and children across Victoria through a range of innovative housing and support services.
The address is a vacant lot within the Parkside Gardens residential estate, which is a general residential zone identified as suitable for residential development. Upon completion, Women’s Housing Ltd would maintain ownership and manage the site.
Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said the project aimed to address Greater Shepparton’s demand for affordable housing.
“If Council resolves to sell the land and it is developed for these purposes, the development would provide excellent amenities for vulnerable women and children enabling them to access secure and high-quality housing,” she said.
“Women’s Housing Limited has extensive experience working in Regional Victoria and is keen to address the affordable housing needs of the Greater Shepparton community.”
“However, before Council can consider such a proposal, consultation with the community must occur in order to understand how the community feels about the sale of land. We look forward to hearing feedback from the community about this proposal.”
Feedback is open from Monday, February 21 until Monday, March 28, 2022.
Submissions can be emailed to council@shepparton.vic.gov.au, completed online at shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/ or submitted via post to Greater Shepparton City Council, Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton VIC 3632. Submissions should be titled ‘Notice of Intention to Sell Land – 45 Parkside Drive’.
