- Published:
- Monday 13 April 2026 at 9:30 am
Work is officially underway on the 12,000th home under Labor’s landmark Big Housing Build program.
Minister Shing today turned the first sod at a development on Grosvenor St, Balaclava which will deliver 68 new homes.
The new properties are walking distance to Balaclava Station and trams along Brighton Road, as well as local shops, schools and services.
At least 95 Victorians will benefit from the homes, which are a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
They replace 20 older homes and are energy-efficient and built to last, lowering bills for families doing it tough.
More than 400 jobs will be created as part of the project, creating work for local families.
Labor’s landmark $6.3 billion investment in social and affordable housing is delivering more than 13,300 homes.
12,000 homes are now complete or underway, with more than 7,000 families already moving in.
The program has also created more than 50,000 jobs, supporting supplier and construction workers across Victoria.
Only Labor will invest in social housing – the Liberals don’t fund it and don’t want it in their suburbs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing
“For six years the Liberals and Greens have united to stop Labor’s housing agenda at every turn.”
“The Liberals don’t believe in social housing - only Labor can deliver the homes and services Victorians need.”
“While David Southwick is busy with his 16 properties, Labor is delivering the social housing his community needs.”
“The Liberals plan to cut $11 billion in public services and abolish 300,000 new homes would be a crushing blow to renters and buyers for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Ryan Batchelor
“We’re delivering the homes that families in Balaclava need and deserve.”
“The Liberals are blockers, Labor are builders – we’re building homes in places that people want to live.”