Who is Housing Choices?

Proponents of a major social housing project in Warragul’s central business district, Housing Choices Australia, describes itself as a “non-government, not-for-profit, registered housing agency”.

Earlier this month it released plans for a four-storey 51-unit development in Mason St, Warragul, comprised of two separate residential buildings.

On its website HCA said “social housing” was an umbrella term that includes both public and community housing that involves some degree of rental subsidy.

It is “committed under its charter to deliver safe, secure and affordable terms to low-income renters, help residents maintain stable tenancies, ensure residents have access to support services and live in communities that will improve their circumstances and life opportunities.”

The plans released forecast a 2025 completion for the complex, estimated to cost $16.5 million and provide 25 one-bedroom units, 19 two bedrooms and seven three-bedroom apartments.

Building and landscaping architects have already been engaged.

The development is part of the Victorian government’s Big Housing Build program announced in 2020 which the government partners with community housing providers and developers to deliver social and affordable homes.

Big Housing Build is investing 25 per cent of a $5 billion program across regional Victoria. The Warragul dwellings will be managed by HCA on behalf of the government. Social housing rents are generally charged as a percentage of household income plus 100 per cent of the Commonwealth Rental Assistance payments with a maximum charge of 30 per cent of household income.