Maldon Affordable Worker Housing Project
Background
Plans for new worker housing in Maldon are moving forward, thanks to support from Community Bank Maldon and District and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Local groups, including Tarrangower Tomorrow, the Community Bank and Council, recognise the serious housing shortage in the area and the Tarrangower Tomorrow Community Plan identified the need for affordable worker housing. This project will help address that need for affordable rental homes for local workers with the tenancy being managed by the registered housing agency, Haven Home Safe.
The Community Bank Maldon & District has committed $650,000 from their Big Project funds to the project. This will fund the construction of two new homes on land recently purchased on Franklin Street in Maldon.
This project will be the first project for the Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust (MAAHT). Council established the MAAHT as an independent organisation to provide perpetual affordable rental housing solutions for the community. Read more about The Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust.
Project funding
Community Bank Maldon and District allocated $650,000 from its Big Project grant program to deliver the two affordable worker housing units at 46B Franklin St Maldon, and council contributed $400,000.
The site in Maldon has space for up to three additional units in the future. As the Trust has tax-deductible status, it can seek donations to help fund these future stages.
Community consultation
The planning application will be advertised in accordance with the requirements of Council’s statutory planners and community engagement is commencing.
FAQs
Why worker rental housing?
Maldon businesses and services face staff shortages due to the lack of local affordable rental housing. These two affordable rental units for workers will begin to address this shortage. Dhelkaya Health, for example, is facing staff shortages at Maldon Hospital and other employers across the town are experiencing similar challenges. These new homes are a first step toward easing that pressure.
Who will be living in the units?
The units will be for working aged people required by local services and businesses. To support future planning, Council will soon run a shire-wide survey of businesses and services. This will gather information on local housing needs for workers and help guide future projects, funding and investment.
How will the units be managed?
The project will be managed by Haven Home Safe, a Registered Housing Agency with the Victorian government, ensuring fair and expert tenancy management.
Who is Haven Home Safe?
Haven Home Safe is a Registered Housing Agency with the Victorian government. It builds and manages social and affordable housing units. As a local specialist homelessness service provider they deliver housing and support services across Victoria.
Why did council choose this site for affordable housing?
46B Franklin Street Maldon was identified by the Community Bank. The site was then confirmed by council as being suitable for affordable worker housing.
Council contact
Clare Richards, Housing Solutions Broker at email c.richards@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5471 1700.