Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting community feedback on its intention to lease land at 20-22 Perrivale Dve, Shepparton, to a non-profit organisation working to prevent youth homelessness.
The proposal would see Kids Under Cover construct relocatable studio accommodation to help six young people leaving foster care transition to independent living.
A site at 4 Deane Crt had previously gone out to public consultation before Kids Under Cover withdrew its application and worked with council officers to find somewhere more suitable.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the size of the Perrivale Dve site and proximity to public transport and services would ensure excellent amenity for future residents.
“This proposal will provide the opportunity for at-risk young people to successfully transition to independent living and receive the support they need,” Cr Sali said.
“Council thanks everyone who made a submission regarding 4 Deane Crt, Shepparton, and is now seeking the views of the community about the site at 20-22 Perrivale Dve, Shepparton.”
All councillors at Tuesday’s council meeting expressed support for the initiative and considered it a good opportunity to address the identified need for affordable housing in Greater Shepparton.
Kids Under Cover proposes to develop a Village 21 Program, involving the construction of a communal building with a kitchen, living room and laundry, three two-bedroom studios with a bathroom, two one-bedroom studios for two live-in mentors, and a communal BBQ area.
The program supports communal activities such as cooking, maintaining shared gardens and learning life skills.
The site at Perrivale Dve is identified as a reserve and given its size is considered capable of accommodating both the program and formalised open space.
The land is vacant, owned by council and has general residential zoning.
It is expected the proposal would create two full-time employment positions for the live-in mentors, and help young people enter the employment market.
Council will undertake community consultation from October 3 to 31 to understand what residents and businesses in the area feel about the lease of the land.
To have your say, visit shaping.greatershepparton.com.au or for further information contact council on (03) 5832 9700.