Whittlesea council has adopted a new plan for more affordable housing, and urged the federal government to review housing tax.
Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said council will boost affordable housing supply by working with different levels of government and community housing providers.
“Housing is a fundamental human right and addressing the shortfall in affordable housing in our community will give more residents access to safe and secure housing,” he said.
According to the council, 27 new affordable homes will soon be constructed in Ashline Street, Wollert.
At the December council meeting, deputy mayor Blair Colwell said Whittlesea has an unmet need of 5117 homes.
“This is increasing to 8942 homes by 2041,” he said.
Cr Jarrod Lappin said the need for affordable housing is increasing to levels beyond what local governments can address.
“There are genuine pathways the federal government can take to support a better housing system that prioritizes home ownership over home investment,” he said.
The original motion to adopt the plan was amended to authorise council to advocate to the federal government for a fairer and more accessible housing market.
Cr Aidan McLindon said he is saddened by the statistics on local homelessness.
“In 2025 we have 37 [homeless people] per 10,000… and in 2041 that’ll increase to 55, that’s almost a 50 per cent increase,” he said.
“It is bestowed upon all of us whether it’s local, state or federal that we must always strive to protect and provide for the most vulnerable.”
The council will call on the federal government to review housing tax policies, including negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts on investment properties.
