Strain eased on Wodonga public housing lists

They are in addition to more than 100 built in the city over the past year and aimed at reducing the public housing waiting list of almost 500 families.

Many of the new homes have been built on vacant land near the Wodonga Senior Secondary College.

The Border Mail revealed last November that some of that land had been left vacant for up to two years.

The new housing comprises mainly two-bedroom units, which the Victorian government says are in most demand.

Other residences are also available for larger families.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the new homes had helped reduce the public housing waiting list by just over 10 per cent in one year.

“We understand the pressure on vulnerable Victorians experiencing a tight private rental market and are committed to supporting those who need it most,” he said.

“Our record investments will make a real difference to communities right across the state, including Wodonga.

“The public waiting list in Wodonga has fallen from 518 at the end of June last year to 464 at the end of June this year.”

Rural Housing Network chief executive officer Catherine Upcher said the new homes were starting to take the pressure off services in Wodonga.

“Any new housing is good,” she said.

“I think they’re increasing the density so that where they might have had one house, they’re now putting two, which is terrific.”

But Ms Upcher warned the new homes were just the tip of the iceberg, with many hundreds of individuals and families still in need of a home.

“There is considerable stress in the private rental market,” she said.

“We don’t have enough supply of private rental properties in Wodonga, so rent is really high and vacancy is really low.

“There is some housing development taking place, but they are at the higher end of the market and the need really is in the low to moderate income-earners.”

Two lots of units in Watson Street have just been completed, with the first residents moving in at the weekend.

Others in Watson, Woodlands and Lyndren streets are waiting on the finishing touches and are expected to be filled within days after becoming available.

The homes, built as part of the joint state and federal Nation Building and Jobs initiative, have either five or six-star energy ratings.

The Department of Human Services said they are cheaper to heat and cool, and have reduced utilities costs for tenants.

The homes also have water efficient fixtures, drought resistant gardens and aimed at being easy to access for those with disabilities.