I hope everyone is having a good start to 2021.
CEHL office
We continue to work remotely and will slowly return to office in coming weeks. While most day-to-day work can be done remotely, teams will go to the office on particular days focused on teamwork and cross-organisational collaboration. Together, with co-ops, we are now experienced in dealing with COVID restrictions to ensure they have minimal impact on our work.
We are aware that many co-op members are vulnerable to COVID and need to ensure everyone is safe. We are finalising a protocol regarding staff attending co-op meetings when necessary and will share details once finalised.
Please make sure you keep checking the latest Victorian Coronavirus information and resources which are mentioned in this publication.
Victorian Government stimulus funding
CEHL is actively working to prepare submissions for funding under what is called a Rapid Round of the Social Housing Growth Fund. Eligible projects need to be under construction by the end of 2021. We have several projects to submit for funding that have been informed by co-op Future Directions Plans and our understanding of properties that need to be 'recycled' as they are too expensive to continue to maintain.
Work is well underway with delivering on a major boost to our maintenance budget through Victorian Government stimulus. Please see the article Biggest ever spend in property upgrades for more information.
This extra funding for maintenance and additional housing is a wonderful opportunity for the Program and we are actively working to ensure we get our fair share.
Residential Tenancies Act changes
Upcoming changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is one of the biggest changes in our Program for some time. Please carefully read the article about that in this publication and please get in touch with your Co-op Development Co-ordinator if you have any questions.
Victorian Government 10 year social and affordable housing plan
The Victorian Government stimulus funding boost is a 4 year commitment, but there is planning well underway to seek to have it become a 10 year program of further major investment. In order for future governments to support this high level of investment there needs to be excellent delivery, positive outcomes and a coherent 10 year plan.
CEHL has been asked to facilitate co-op input into the 10 year plan. We will be writing to you shortly to outline how you can get involved.
Best wishes,
Stephen Nash