A state government initiative to reduce homelessness will include 14 new public housing properties being built in Ararat.
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The $209 million Building New Homes to Fight Homelessness program involves constructing 1000 public housing properties for about 1800 people in high need areas across the state.
A Homes Victoria spokesperson said the state government would be "delivering $5.4 million for 14 new public housing homes in Ararat, creating around 50 new local jobs over the course of the projects."
The houses will be owned and managed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said while the council's input was limited, it was still supportive of the program.
"Council did not have any input into the number of dwellings and their location, only serving our role as the planning authority once permits were received last year," he said.
"The building work is about to start on several projects with council receiving advice of several projects ready to commence construction.
"We are pleased to see that the Victorian Government is delivering much-needed investment that will take pressure off the public housing waiting lists.
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"While poverty and homelessness may not seem as prevalent in our community, it is important that we ensure that everyone has access to a home that they can afford.
"This investment is welcome because of the ongoing issue it helps to address."
However, Dr Harrison said Ararat was facing housing problems of a different kind, requiring government funding.
"Council's priority remains the need for the government to help us solve a much more significant issue, which is getting construction of worker housing underway," he said.
"With near full employment in Ararat and businesses crying out for people to fill the jobs available, we need support now to speed up the construction of new housing rapidly.
"Government support to underpin confidence in the development market is by far the most effective way it can boost the critical mass of our population, support businesses and grow the economy."
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