The completion of four affordable housing units, two in Murtoa and two at Woomelang, has created more housing options for older Yarriambiack residents. 

The council officially handed over control of new and existing housing units in Murtoa to Dunmunkle Lodge yesterday, with the organisation confirming leases had already been signed and the houses would soon be occupied. 

Woomelang Retirement Units Committee, a council-affiliated community asset committee, will manage the Woomelang units.

Yarriambiack Shire mayor Kylie Zanker said $2.8-million from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, secured in 2022, enabled the houses to be built. “The primary goal is to provide downsizing opportunities into smaller, energy-
efficient houses that require less maintenance, catering specifically to the needs of the ageing population,” she said. 

Cr Zanker said the council had collaborated with Dunmunkle Lodge to manage the units after an expression of interest and public notification process, which led council to enter a 50-year lease agreement with the not-for-profit organisation. 

Dunmunkle Lodge chief executive Peter Ballagh said the partnership was a ‘commendable initiative’ that would allow residents to stay living in their communities. 

“The collaboration also opens up opportunities for residents to access additional services, such as home and gardening maintenance services,” he said.

“The partnership not only benefits the new tenants, but also presents an opportunity for them to sell existing properties in Murtoa, potentially making room for families to relocate to the shire.”

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