Yarra Ranges Council has made a submission to the state Inquiry into the Rental and Housing Affordability Crisis, aiming to highlight some of the pressing housing challenges in the region.
Council recognises that access to suitable, secure, and affordable housing is crucial in establishing a diverse community that can actively engage in all aspects of society.
In the submission to the State government-led inquiry Council identified several key contributing factors including:
Significant loss of rental stock during Covid.
Victorian rental legislation and new regulations
Interest Rate Rises and State Taxation.
The mismatch between current housing stock and demand
A lack of government investment in Social Housing
Planning Legislation Challenges
Short-Stay and Key Worker Accommodation.
In its submission, Council emphasised the urgency of addressing the rental and housing affordability crisis and presented some actionable solutions to these factors for consideration.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child urged the State Government to take decisive actions, including targeted investments in social housing, and streamlined planning legislation to safeguard rental markets and support local communities.
“Our submission to the Inquiry aims to shed light on the urgent need for multi-faceted action to address this crisis and protect the wellbeing of our residents,” Cr Child said.
“The housing affordability crisis is affecting families, workers, and vulnerable individuals across Yarra Ranges. Council are limited in the impact it can have, which is why we have made a submission calling on the State Government to invest in social housing and provide targeted support to ensure a brighter future for those struggling to find a stable home.”
“Through the Yarra Ranges Draft Housing Strategy that will be exhibited for public consultation later this year, we propose to pursue diverse approaches to improve housing supply and affordability that caters to all residents. But, clearer guidance and support from the government is crucial – particularly in planning processes – to help us meet the growing demand and make progress in addressing the housing crisis.”
Submissions closed on 7 July 2023 with the Committee to report back to Parliament by 17 November, 2023.
