TODAY’S front page story is no doubt welcome news for many considering purchasing their own home.For some time, the great Australian dream has been out of reach for many, with house prices soaring to unaffordable levels in many property markets.So we can only hope an affordable housing project at Huntly, proposed by the City of Greater Bendigo, property developer Integra Land and not-for-profit group Ethan Housing, goes ahead.The group is seeking $3.8 million from the federal government’s $100 million Building Better Regional Cities program, and is awaiting a decision early in the new year.The funds would allow Integra to fast-track the infrastructure required for the development and give up to 60 low to moderate-income earners access to rebates of more than $64,000.Designed to help key workers, including graduate police recruits, teachers, nurses and skilled workers, enter the property market, the project has many benefits – not the least that which keeps them in our city for longer.Those who qualify for the program must live in their house for five years and for many first home owners and young families, that commitment is not unreasonable.The city and developers should be congratuled for their vision and efforts to address an issue that is increasingly becoming an issue in our city.If Bendigo is to continue to grow and attract skilled workers, it needs to be attractive on many levels – and affordable housing is perhaps the most important.We can only hope councillors will endorse the application for federal funds at tomorrow night’s council meeting, and the funds will follow in 2012.