A REPORT exploring the affordability of housing in the wider-Ballarat region has been completed and is now publicly accessible.<\/p>\n
Monash University parliamentary intern Brad Woolley was tasked with the research by Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle.<\/p>\n
Mr Woolley\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said she acknowledges some groups more than others are impacted by the affordability of housing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to make sure the Victorian Government is helping where it counts,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
While the State Government\u2019s Big Housing Build, announced as part of last year\u2019s budget, has allocated $115 million into \u201cbuilt-to-rent\u201d social housing, the report encourages more action.<\/p>\n
In partnership with the City of Ballarat, and the Golden Plains and Moorabool shires, Ms Settle plans to locate potential social housing sites locally.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur investment in social housing locally is welcome, but I believe we can do more. I\u2019ll be working with our councils to see how we can speed up approvals and identify land for social housing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The report recommended inclusionary zoning be implemented, ensuring affordable housing is part of any new residential developments and Ms Settle she she\u2019ll be presenting the idea to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can build communities which include housing for those who cannot afford to rent or buy in the current market,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Community members contributed to the report, with 66 residents and 26 stakeholders making submissions or participating in interviews.<\/p>\n
The Big Housing Build project was announced in November 2020, as part of the 2020-2021 State Budget.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s paper shows a rental and house-price increase over the last 12 months, and this is impacting residents, […]<\/p>\n