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Those looking to build new homes had 25,000 reasons to be smiling after Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week announced a stimulus package for the construction industry.
Grants of $25,000 will be available for those looking to build new houses, including first-home buyers, under the $680m scheme. With the state government already providing a $20,000 bonus, first home builders are $45,000 better off.
There are no real catches with the Canberra grant. Homes, including land value, must be worth under $750,000, a criteria met by a vast majority of new south-west homes. Contracts have to be signed between December 31, work start within three months of signing, individuals earn less than $125,000 a year or households $200,000.
The region's new homes industry is booming with waits of between six and 12 months before work can start. We reported in November there were shortages of tradies across the region. So does this package benefit our region as much as others?
The package also includes $25,000 grants for home renovation projects between $150,000 and $750,000.
The idea is right but city-centric. In a regional area where the median house price is $355,000, there will be few who benefit - the rich will get richer. Home owners risk over-capitalising on their investments or taking on extra debt in search of receiving the $25,000 grant.
Veteran Warrnambool builder Ray Hollingsworth could well have been speaking for all independent builders when he said the spend for renovations should be halved to $75,000 in regional areas to include smaller jobs for "builders who just live on those".
Would the industry have received a broader benefit if these latest grants were accessible to more people, especially those looking to renovate? Would the government have got more bang for its buck?
Could the grants push house prices higher, excluding lower income earners getting into the market?
There is already a lack of social housing in the south-west and with one agency finding shelter for up to 50 homeless families in empty motels during the pandemic, what happens when our tourism industry bounces back? Will those families be left in the cold?
Is this stimulus package another case of a missed opportunity?
On the subject of housing, Port Fairy's property market is attracting plenty of overseas interest especially at the high-end. For almost $4 million you could be the owner of some of the best views along the south-west coast.
Changes to Warrnambool's Liebig Street might have curtailed the famous "lap" down to the breakwater and back (maybe I'm just ageing) but the age-old issue of hoon driving in the CBD was back on the agenda this week. Two CCTV cameras and lighting are being installed at Cannon Hill to curb hoon drivers and vandals.
Sadly, every week contains more COVID-19 impacts. This week we revealed Port Fairy's 72-year-old Moyneyana Festival parade could become a victim even though the new year's eve event is months away.
But on the coronavirus front, there was some good news. It was another week without a confirmed case. And cafes and restaurants were allowed to offer sit-down meals. Judging by the numbers flocking to premises for lunch, it was well received.
One of the south-west's favourite sons Jonathan Brown received a huge honour this week. The triple Brisbane Lions premiership player was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He became just the third person from the south-west to receive the honour. I was lucky enough to interview Brown about the feat. He never forgets where his career started and is a great ambassador for the region.
Condolences to Warrnambool's Morrissey family after the death of Terry, a former Richmond player. I first met Terry when I was a boy searching for a new cricket ball at Warrnambool's De Grandi's Sports Store. He, like so many there, became a familiar face, who loved a laugh and some banter. He was heavily involved in local footy. This piece from journalist Monique Patterson was one of my favourite reads this week.
There was more good news on the jobs front with seven former Fonterra workers being hired by the new owner of Dennington's former milk plant to return to the factory.
The lasting images from this week were not local but from the United States where race riots shocked the world. Warrnambool Seahawks veteran Tim Gainey provided some unique insights into his homeland. No one should be judged on their skin colour.
My favourite photo of the week (above) came from Morgan Hancock, who captured this image of young Warrnambool athlete Harry Stinchcombe.
Here's a selection of other stories that made headlines this week.
Stay safe and healthy.
Until next week