Plan for social, affordable housing

A DRAFT Social and Affordable Housing Action Plan has been made public by the City of Ballarat.

Municipal officers are seeking residents’ feedback about how best to tackle housing insecurity and affordability in the region.

Ideas about future delivery of, and advocacy around, social and affordable housing is part of the document, with the themes of land, policy and planning, community engagement, partnerships, and advocacy and further investigations explored.

“We know the housing issue is growing in Australia and Ballarat is not immune from that, so there is an urgent need for action now,” said City of Ballarat mayor, Cr Des Hudson.

“While there are some roles that local government play within social and affordable housing, there are also constraints that must be considered along with the main responsibilities that sit with other levels of government.

“This is the first time the City of Ballarat has created an action plan in this field. Although there is always more work that can be done, we are looking forward to doing what we can to help address the housing issue.”

Head to the City of Ballarat MySay page to give feedback through an online survey until Sunday 16 June. Alternatively, in-person drop-in sessions will be held.

Consultation sessions are set for Tuesday 4 June, 1pm to 4pm at Barkly Square community hub at 25-39 Barkly Street, or Thursday 13 June, 4pm to 7pm at Sebastopol Library.

Advice from social and affordable housing providers will help shape the plan, alongside resident ideas.

The final plan will likely be put to councillors in July.