By KATRINA BRANDON

MORE social housing across Gippsland is being delivered by the state government.

Last Friday (September 12), Minister for Housing Harriet Shing visited one of many blocks being built in Traralgon, expressing excitement about the prospect of more homes becoming available for people in need, including homes in Moe and Sale.

“Every Victorian deserves access to a safe and secure home that they can be proud to call their own, which is why we’re building thousands of new homes all over the state,” she said.

“The delivery of more new and upgraded housing, including in Traralgon, Morwell, Moe and Sale, is an essential part of tackling homelessness and delivering real solutions for vulnerable Victorians.”

The state government’s landmark $6.3 billion Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund is delivering more than 13,300 social and affordable homes across Victoria – with more than 11,100 already complete or underway.

Inspection: Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing and JSL Builders’ Jay Langstaff take a tour around one of the new social housing sites. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Bringing in six homes, the Traralgon housing project is being built by local Traralgon company JSL Builders, meaning local workers and apprentices are working to address the ongoing need for housing.

JSL Builders has more than 25 years’ experience working in the Latrobe Valley.

In addition to this, work is underway to deliver a mix of social, private market, and affordable housing at English Street, Morwell as part of the Olearia development.

“The Olearia development in Morwell will be a well-planned and connected community that provides more families with the opportunity to find a home in the heart of the Valley,” Ms Shing said.

All of the homes being built are bright, modern, accessible, and energy efficient, and located close to services, parks, open spaces, transport and schools.

Alongside building more homes, Ms Shing said she is working with councils to increase housing supply, including efforts to expedite planning proposals for builders to start construction sooner. Instead of homes being approved in a span of months to years, Ms Shing aims for permits to be approved within days and weeks.