{
  "id": 11366104,
  "title": "Big housing development set to grow Warrnambool's population by 50 per cent",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/big-housing-development-set-to-grow-warrnambools-population-by-50-per",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-02T04:59:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-02/4500-new-homes-in-newly-approved-warrnambool-residential-boost/107220508"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Victorian government has approved a new residential development in Warrnambool, a city in south-west Victoria, which is expected to nearly double the local population. The East of Aberline Precinct will add around 4,500 new homes, as well as schools and a town centre, over a span of 15 to 25 years. Located at the end of the Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool is currently home to 36,000 people and has been grappling with a housing shortage. The city's population grew by 2,250 over the past decade, with a current rental vacancy rate of 0.8 per cent. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny gave the green light to the 407-hectare development, which will span the city's eastern side and include community facilities, a supermarket, retail shops, parks, and new schools. Warrnambool City Council's mayor, Ben Blain, expressed excitement over the project, predicting the development will increase the city's population by half, or the equivalent of adding a small town. The council has been working closely with the government on the development, advocating for improved facilities to support sustainable growth. The new residential area will offer various housing options, including one and two-bedroom homes.",
  "summary": "An additional 15,000 people could call this Great Ocean Road city home when this development is complete.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}