UDIA Victoria Media Release
Record investment in social and affordable housing over the next four years, announced by the Andrews Labor Government as part of Victoria’s 2020/21 State Budget, has been applauded by the Urban Development Institute of Australia, Victorian Division (UDIA Victoria).
“In a new era for cross-sector partnerships, the urban development industry is ready and willing to play a lead role in delivering the 12,000 new social and affordable housing dwellings the Government has committed to over the next four years,” said CEO of UDIA Victoria Danni Hunter.
“Victoria’s building, development and construction industry is responsible for delivering the housing that people want and need. We have long advocated for government action and investment to enable the industry to deliver long term, systemic affordable housing supply. The Victorian Government has responded by rightfully making social housing a feature of this state budget and its COVID-19 pandemic response,” she said.
“When it comes to seriously addressing the age-old issue of homelessness, COVID-19 has proven that where there’s a will, there’s a way. We commend the Victorian Government on their commitment to getting people into affordable housing post-COVID,” said Ms Hunter.
“Investment in social and affordable housing is a very successful economic stimulus measure, creating jobs while delivering immense community benefit.
“The City of Melbourne estimates that for every $1 invested in affordable housing, there is over $3 of value for the community. This value comes in the form of reduced crime costs, reduced domestic violence, health cost savings, educational benefits and economic value. This is smart investment; investment in our community that we all benefit from,” said Ms Hunter.
“The number of Victorians who need affordable housing is only going to grow, especially since COVID-19 which has seen unemployment, underemployment, pay-cuts and job insecurity rise, and homebuyer purchasing power decline.
“With a jobs pipeline of 43,000 jobs over 4 years, this program is the economic boost and project pipeline the urban development industry needs. As the employer of over 300,000 Victorians, this program will lock in jobs and economic activity as we rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ms Hunter.
“This major investment program is a new era for cocreation and collaboration across the urban development industry and the community housing sector. Victoria’s building, development and construction industry is proud to partner with government to deliver the affordable housing we need.”
Ms Hunter specifically commended Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Housing Richard Wynne and Treasurer Tim Pallas for their leadership and advocacy for all Victorians.
“The urban development industry stands ready to deliver the affordable housing we need in Victoria,” she said.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Hyatt Nidam
Engagement and Communications Manager, UDIA Victoria
M: 0478 415 105
