September 2009

Norlane stages a big comeback

Once considered one of the less desirable areas of Geelong, Norlane is now putting on a bright new face with an injection of more Government funding.

Major changes to the neighbourhood are in the wind with stage one of the Norlane Program Regeneration Program now complete.

Forty new public housing units are now home to residents—including Sonya Day and son Bailey, 4.

An excited Bailey was on hand to welcome Housing Minister Richard Wynne to his new home and show off his new bedroom.

His excitement was matched by mum, Sonya, who still could not believe she had been offered a property with views that would encourage her to pursue her hobby of painting.

The 40 units, built at a cost of $7.6 million, replaced ageing housing stock and were completed in June.

While in Norlane, Minister Wynne announced stage two of the Regeneration Program which will see a $32.4 million Government investment for an additional 160 new affordable homes.

‘Stage two will deliver 60 homes for public housing and 100 units that will be owned and managed by a housing association.

Work has already begun on stage two with the Corio Norlane Development Advisory Board to nominate sites and finalise a master plan for the new homes.

The advisory board, which includes residents, local businesses and other service agencies, is an important cog in the planning process before construction begins by mid 2010.

Advisory board member and local tenant Liz Winning applauded the impact of Neighbourhood Renewal in the Norlane area and the additional Government funding to provide new and upgraded homes in the area.

‘It has been wonderful that the people who live in the area are able to contribute to the planning to make Norlane an exciting neighbourhood to live in, now and into the future,’ said Ms Winning.

Mr Wynne said the whole Geelong region would benefit from the money currently being invested in Norlane.

This was not just with new housing but with ongoing maintenance for existing housing stock.

‘The Geelong region has been allocated $2.47 million in funding under the Commonwealth Nation Building and Jobs Plan to undertake maintenance and repairs on both public and housing association properties in the area,’ Mr Wynne said.

‘The maintenance work will include interior and exterior painting, renovations to bathrooms and kitchens and external work such as landscaping and fencing.’

Mr Wynne said this significant investment in repairs and maintenance would extend the useable life of many units and improve amenities for tenants.