Housing affordability report released

A REPORT exploring the affordability of housing in the wider-Ballarat region has been completed and is now publicly accessible.

Monash University parliamentary intern Brad Woolley was tasked with the research by Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle.

Mr Woolley’s paper shows a rental and house-price increase over the last 12 months, and this is impacting residents, particularly those who are vulnerable, single parents, those receiving Centrelink payments, First Nations Peoples, migrants, refugees, victims of domestic violence and younger people.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said she acknowledges some groups more than others are impacted by the affordability of housing.

“I want to make sure the Victorian Government is helping where it counts,” she said.

While the State Government’s Big Housing Build, announced as part of last year’s budget, has allocated $115 million into “built-to-rent” social housing, the report encourages more action.

In partnership with the City of Ballarat, and the Golden Plains and Moorabool shires, Ms Settle plans to locate potential social housing sites locally.

“Our investment in social housing locally is welcome, but I believe we can do more. I’ll be working with our councils to see how we can speed up approvals and identify land for social housing,” she said.

The report recommended inclusionary zoning be implemented, ensuring affordable housing is part of any new residential developments and Ms Settle she she’ll be presenting the idea to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne.

“We can build communities which include housing for those who cannot afford to rent or buy in the current market,” she said.

Community members contributed to the report, with 66 residents and 26 stakeholders making submissions or participating in interviews.

The Big Housing Build project was announced in November 2020, as part of the 2020-2021 State Budget.