By PEACE IJIYERA
RUMOURS surrounding social housing at the old Morwell Central Hotel have been put to bed and tucked in for good.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, was eager to call out these rumours at an appearance at Kay Street Traralgon’s multistorey carpark official opening.
She squashed the rumours outright, describing them as having “no basis”.
“There is no social housing being planned for the old Morwell Hotel. And again, it’s unfortunate that there have been reports that have spread this mis and disinformation. Again, creating concern within the community about something which is not happening,” Ms Shing said.
Ms Shing and a mystery message delivered to the Express, confirmed renovations and developments at the site.
However, Ms Shing reiterated that “this is not a state government process” and “it is not something that is being contemplated for social housing.”
Though unsure of how rumours like this arose, Ms Shing said the state government continues to invest in social housing across rural and regional Victoria. She highlighted the allocation of “more than $75 million to Latrobe City to provide social housing for people who need it”.
She also emphasised the importance of social housing being “embedded within communities”.
“The idea behind social housing that we’re delivering, is to make sure that it fits into a range of different settings, that it is in so many different streets and it is unnoticeable, because it is just about providing people with homes that connect them really well to their communities.”
Latrobe City Council also gave response, acknowledging the “community discussion” around the site.
“The site is privately owned and is located within the Activity Centre Zone under the Latrobe Planning Scheme,” a council spokesperson said.
“Under this zoning, a planning permit is not required for the site to be developed for accommodation that is located above ground floor level.
“It is important to note however that at this location no redevelopment outcome or accommodation style has been confirmed by council.
“Should any approvals be required for future development or operation of the site, council will ensure that all appropriate standards are met.
“As a privately owned site, there are a range of land use and development opportunities that may be permissible under the planning framework.
“Any future redevelopment also has the potential to contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Morwell’s central business district.”
Having entered the election period for the Morwell River Ward by-election, council has stated that no further commentary on the matter will be made, with the election period ending on August 1, 2026.
Ms Shing is clear in saying social housing has its place in society.
“Morwell and Commercial Road’s CBD is not one of those places,” she affirmed.
