Templeton Street Affordable Housing Project

The Templeton Street Affordable Housing project includes the development of two council-owned sites in the heart of Castlemaine for social and affordable housing.

In June 2022, Council invited the community to provide input on its proposal to seek state or federal funding for the development of medium density long-term affordable rental homes on the two council-owned sites; 65-67 Templeton Street (the Bendigo TAFE site), and 30A Templeton Street (above the car park next to Castlemaine Community House).

Following overwhelming community support for the idea, Councillors voted on 18 October 2022 to progress plans for these sites in partnership with registered housing agency, Haven Home Safe.

Since 2022, the challenges Council and Haven Home Safe have faced in securing sustainable funding has fuelled advocacy to state and federal governments for better policy and funding settings for rural communities.

In late 2025 the federal government agency, Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), announced it was opening a Round 3 of funding for new social and affordable housing projects, which provides another opportunity for the Templeton Street sites.

Project funding

Council's Chief Executive Officer, Darren Fuzzard is working in partnership with the housing provider Haven Home Safe, to find the most sustainable funding model to finance the development.

Community consultation

The following community consultation has taken place since 2022.

  • An online poll on Shape Mount Alexander: to understand community sentiment and draw out key concerns.
  • Hard copy surveys: were also supplied and received through the Council's Civic Centre.
  • Neighbourhood door knocking: to understand the views of directly impacted residents.
  • Face to face meetings with residents: to understand their views on a more intimate setting.
  • Responding to direct queries: following up with private face-to-face meetings or phone calls.
  • Traditional channels: receiving submissions through the post, email and phone calls.

More information

For more information about the community consultation, and the project, visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/affordable-housing.

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