Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Wednesday, 21 September, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council to seek community feedback on lease of land to Kids Under Cover

Earlier this year, Council received an enquiry from Kids Under Cover seeking to understand whether Council could provide land to facilitate the construction of a Village 21 Model. Village 21 is an innovative model designed to support at-risk young people successfully transition to independent living from out of home care.

Kids Under Cover is a non-profit organisation focused on the prevention of youth homelessness, by delivering a unique combination of studio accommodation and education scholarships. The Village 21 proposal will enable the construction of an innovative village environment for six young people between the ages of 18-21 who have exited foster care.

Village 21 assists in creating strong connections back to the community and teaches skills in self-sufficiency. The proposal includes construction of a communal building with a kitchen, living room and laundry, three two-bedroom studios with a bathroom and two one-bedroom studios for live-in mentors, and communal outdoor spaces. Village 21 will support communal activities such as cooking, maintaining shared gardens and learning life skills.

At the May Council Meeting, Council resolved, amongst other things, to provide in-principle support for the proposal and undertook a community engagement process from May to June 2022 on the proposed lease of land at 4 Deane Court, Shepparton. On 1 August 2022, Kids Under Cover wrote to Council formally withdrawing interest from 4 Deane Court and requesting that Council consider leasing land at 20-22 Perrivale Drive, Shepparton stating that this land better suits its needs.

Council officers recommended that Council abandon the proposed lease of land at 4 Deane Court, Shepparton to Kids Under Cover and commence community engagement on the 20-22 Perrivale Drive, Shepparton site.

The land at 20-22 Perrivale Drive is currently vacant, owned by Council, is zoned General Residential Zone and located within an existing residential area. Council officers consider this to be an effective way of realising Affordable Housing outcomes by assisting young at-risk people to successfully transition to independent living.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said the site’s size and location close to public transport and services will ensure excellent amenity for future residents, enabling them to be securely and appropriately housed.

“This proposal will provide the opportunity for at-risk young people to successfully transition to independent living and receive the support they need,” he said.

“Council thanks everyone who made a submission regarding 4 Deane Court, Shepparton and is now seeking the views of the community about the site at 20-22 Perrivale Drive, Shepparton.

“This proposal will ensure excellent amenities for our local youth with secure and appropriate housing. I am looking forward to hearing the community’s views on the proposal.”

Council will undertake community consultation from Monday 3 October to Monday 31 October 2022 to understand what residents and businesses in the area feel about the lease of the land. To have your say, visit Shaping Greater Shepparton

For further information contact Council on (03) 5832 9700.