Swan Hill Rural City Council will be taking a bold step to help address the region's housing shortage by supporting the creation of a new community-driven Housing Trust.
At their Council Meeting held on 20 May 2025, Council resolved to partner with the Housing Action: Greater Swan Hill Committee's Housing Investment Model Subcommittee to establish a Housing Trust that will fund and oversee local housing developments.
Housing Action: Greater Swan Hill Committee Member, Shane Graham said the initiative was about creating new pathways to deliver housing in a financially responsible and community-minded way.
"This model aims to unite community investment, transparency and create long-term tangible benefits for the region.
Council's Mayor, Cr Stuart King said under the new investment model, Council would contribute two blocks of land at 13 and 15 Tower Avenue, Tower Hill—valued at $230,000—in exchange for 230,000 shares in the Trust.
"This land presents an ideal opportunity to drive forward new housing solutions for our growing community. This is a win-win. It's there, ready to go, and we get value out of the land whilst directly addressing the housing needs," Cr King said.
"A public investment prospectus will soon be released to invite interested parties to become shareholders in the Trust, with an emphasis on local participation.
"We thank the volunteers on this Committee for their efforts in creating innovative solutions," Cr King said.
Cr King said the Housing Trust would be governed by a three-member board including a representative of the subcommittee, an investor representative, and Council's Chief Executive Officer.
Council's CEO, Scott Barber said it was a smart investment that would allow Council to retain ownership value while supporting the delivery of new homes and strengthening our local economy.
"This housing investment model is a direct outcome of the 2023 Swan Hill Housing Summit and represents a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to tackling regional housing challenges.
"This model allows Council to contribute without direct financial outlay, while still retaining value through shares in the Trust," Mr Barber said.
The Trust plans to deliver multiple housing projects, with Council's land contributions securing equity and potential returns while enabling much-needed housing construction.
Should the project not proceed, ownership of the land will revert to Council.
