Swan Hill Rural City Council secured $5 million in grant funding in 2024 to deliver 10 worker accommodation dwellings at 3 McCartney Court, Robinvale. Construction of the dwellings and site development is now well advanced, with the budget figures indicating the project will be delivered under budget.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said Council is pleased to be in a position to reinvest the project savings into additional housing for the Robinvale community.
"Council is committed to making the most of every opportunity to address local housing needs.
"We are delighted that funding variation approval for reuse of the savings into providing additional homes has been confirmed.
"Through careful project management, we expect to achieve savings on the McCartney Court development, and we are excited to explore how those funds can be redirected to deliver even more housing for local workers," he said.
Robinvale-based Cr Phillip Englefield welcomed the opportunity to expand the housing project, praising the strong project management that has made the additional homes possible.
"This outcome is a gift, it's a direct result of excellent project management," Cr Englefield said.
"It shows what can be achieved when Council delivers projects efficiently and looks for ways to maximise the impact of funding for our community," Cr Englefield said.
Following a review of Council-owned land, 49 Herbert Street, Robinvale has been identified as the most suitable site for further development. Council has commenced the planning process as the site is in a commercial zone and it will involve community consultation to gauge the views of the Robinvale Community.
Cr King said preliminary investigations and a cost-benefit analysis indicate that two additional three-bedroom dwellings could be efficiently delivered at the site using modular construction.
"Modular homes are pre-engineered offsite in a controlled factory environment before being transported and assembled onsite, allowing for greater efficiency, flexibility and reduced construction time," he said.
"Consistent with the arrangements for the original McCartney Court project, the new dwellings would be leased to partner organisations for a five-year period in line with the requirements of the funding program."
"This initiative highlights Council's ongoing commitment to supporting the local workforce while ensuring grant funding delivers the greatest possible benefit to the Robinvale community," Cr King said.
