Whittlesea council will begin community consultation after the introduction of an affordable housing plan during a council meeting on Tuesday, August 19.
Council heard the plan aims to increase the supply of affordable housing while ensuring more people in the Whittlesea municipality can access housing needs and feel more secure in maintaining a home.
A report to the council meeting stated that it is estimated 5173 (6.1 per cent) of all households in the Whittlesea Local Government Area will have an unmet need for affordable housing.
“This is expected to grow to 8942 (8.1 per cent) of all households by 2041,” the report stated.
“Without immediate and strategic action, the shortage of affordable housing will continue to undermine community stability, strain public services and displace vulnerable populations.”
Cr Daniela Zinni said council was advocating to federal and state governments for additional funding for affordable housing that is high quality and well designed for the municipality’s more vulnerable residents.
“This country has a housing crisis and every day we have families without shelter,” she said.
The plan is designed to engage the Whittlesea community, support developers and reaffirm the council’s commitment to addressing housing affordability for current and future residents.
Cr Blair Calwell commented on the housing crisis issue currently affecting Australians.
“I think the Australian dream of owning a home or having access to safe and secure housing is becoming more and more out of reach,” he said.
“I do commend the council for being proactive in this space and putting some thought into affordable and social housing.”
The affordable housing plan will open for community feedback between August 25 and September 21, before being presented to council at a future meeting for implementation.
