The selection of Loddon Mallee Housing Services as a Housing Association under the Strategy for Growth in Housing for Low Income Victorians is bearing fruit as the first of many new homes are nearing completion.

Work is progressing on 38 homes with a further 37 to be completed in centres across the Loddon Mallee region by late 2006.

A further 17 homes are planned for construction at the completion of the 75-home package at a total cost of $20 million.

The homes are going up in Castlemaine, Kyneton, Bendigo and in other centres across the Region.

Housing Minister Candy Broad said a three-bedroom family home•the first of four homes being constructed for Loddon Mallee

Housing in Castlemaine under the Strategy—was due to be occupied by June with others completed shortly after.

Loddon Mallee Housing Services will own and manage the new homes as one of five not-for-profit housing associations selected by the Victorian Government to build affordable homes for low-income Victorian families.

The houses are being constructed as part of the $100 million Strategy for Growth in Housing for Low Income Victorians, with $16.2 million being contributed to the Loddon Mallee Region and Loddon Mallee Housing Services providing the balance.

Potential tenants of the new housing must be eligible for either Commonwealth Government Rent Assistance or meet public housing eligibility criteria.