REGIONAL Cities Victoria (RCV) has warmly welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a $500M Housing Support Program. The program aims to aid local governments in making the process of building new homes in regional areas quicker, easier, and more affordable.
RCV, which represents the ten largest regional cities in Victoria, including Shepparton, sees this as a significant step towards addressing the immediate barriers to establishing new homes in these areas. “RCV welcomes the Commonwealth’s efforts because councils need funds to address these barriers,” stated RCV Chair, Shane Sali.
Cr Sali highlighted the critical issue of a statewide shortage of statutory planners and surveyors which has led to delays in issuing building and planning permits. He also pointed out that the second stream of the funding program would be vital for fast-tracking installation of essential utilities and services, thereby unlocking new housing stock in regional cities and helping to keep water costs down.
Cr Sali emphasised that while the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement commits to quicker water connections, it does not address the funding of new infrastructure. “Today’s Federal Government announcement is a welcome start. We need more investment across regional Victoria that provides local government with the necessary financial support for sustainable growth and development,” said Cr Sali.
