Council approves lease for Aireys Inlet Affordable Housing Project
Published on 28 August 2024
Surf Coast Shire Council has approved a 50-year lease of land at 2 Fraser Drive Aireys Inlet, to enable a not-for-profit housing provider to develop social and affordable housing at the site.
Housing Choices Australia (HCA) will enter a 50-year lease with Council for an annual fee of $1. The approved lease is a key milestone in the Aireys Inlet Affordable Housing Project. It will enable HCA to use the recently endorsed concept design to apply for funding for the next two phases of the project: detailed design and construction.
Councillor Libby Stapleton described the decision to lease the land as exciting.
“Council has a goal to improve access to affordable residential accommodation, with the Aireys Inlet Affordable Housing Project a shining example of this,” she said.
“Well done to the community members who put in the time and energy as part of the co-design process, to help us reach this milestone. Well done also to the broader Aireys community which has recognised the value of Council providing public land to create more liveable and sustainable communities here on the Surf Coast.”
Conditions of the lease will include:
- Council’s construction and operational requirements such as allocating housing to local residents or those with a connection to Aireys Inlet, and supporting existing residents during the development process.
- An agreed maintenance program of the dwellings and private open space.
There will be further community engagement opportunities during the detailed design phase, with more detailed planning of the development to occur at a later date.
Housing Choices Australia will manage the social and affordable housing and will be responsible for the collection of rental income and any costs associated with ongoing management and maintenance.
The land currently has four social housing dwellings. The lease will not include the Community Garden or a public walkway from Fraser Drive to Albert Avenue. These areas will be retained by Council to benefit the community.
The proposed lease was publicly advertised, attracting four submissions with no objections.
“Thank you to those who took the time to make a submission and voice their thoughts,” Cr Stapleton said. “I’m proud of the community input throughout this project, particularly the co-design process. It’s meant that when the housing is eventually built, it will be integrated into the town thoughtfully so that it keeps with our treasured character.”
Stay up to date with the Aireys Inlet Affordable Housing Project at yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/FraserDrive.