Housing Minister Richard Wynne visited two new social housing homes in Warragul last Tuesday.
Joined by Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, Mr Wynne was given the opportunity to inspect two new three-bedroom homes that will soon be occupied by tenants.
The houses are part of a $6.85 million investment in the Warragul area from the Victorian Government, which will produce 22 new social housing properties.
Eight homes have been completed so far, another seven are under construction, and seven will begin construction in May.
The homes inspected on Tuesday were built by Metricon Homes, and are designed to have a modern feel and be energy efficient. The construction of all 22 homes in Warragul is expected to provide 62 jobs for local workers.
These homes will provide safe and secure housing for many Victorians, including those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, older women, Aboriginal Victorians, and people with disability or mental illnesses.
The two properties have open plan living and dining areas, with plenty of light. They also have smoke alarms that, when triggered, emit both visual and audio alarms for people that have difficulties with hearing or sight.
Each home has a garden shed, water tank, washing line, and seven-star energy rating.
"It has everything you need to enjoy the same standard of living as everyone else," Ms Shing said.
Mr Wynne said the properties' proximity to local shops and employment opportunities was a plus.
"Everyone deserves a safe place to call home and these new developments provide just that, allowing people to live a life of stability," he said.
"These social housing developments in Warragul are evidence of our government's investment in real and tangible solutions to tackle homelessness."
Ms Shing said the new housing would help build the community.
"This investment will make a real difference, providing people in Warragul who need it with the safety and security of social and affordable housing and helping build a stronger local community."
This is not the only housing project underway in Baw Baw at the moment. Drouin is set to benefit from $3.74 million of government funding for housing as well.
Drouin is receiving 16 new one-bedroom units in partnership with the Haven Foundation, which provides accommodation and support services to disadvantaged people with continuing ill-mental health.
Construction on this project is set to commence in the near future.
Both projects are part of the Victorian Government's Big Housing Build, which is set to deliver more than 12,000 new homes and create an average of 10,000 jobs each year over four years.