THE City of Mount Gambier will participate in a national research project led by the University of Adelaide to address housing affordability in regional communities.<\/p>\n
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on February 17, council noted the Affordable Housing Research Project – Adelaide University report and confirmed its intention to participate as a partner organisation, subject to the successful attainment of funding through the 2026 Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant round.<\/p>\n
If the grant application is successful, council will contribute $5000 per year over three years, totalling $15,000 towards the Unlocking Affordable Housing Supply in Regional Australia project.<\/p>\n
Council will also provide in\u2013kind support through staff participation and involvement in project steering and stakeholder meetings.<\/p>\n
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said housing affordability continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing regional communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike many regional cities, Mount Gambier is experiencing increasing pressure on housing supply,\u201d Mayor Martin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis research project provides an opportunity to better understand how alternative housing models, including prefabricated and offsite construction, could play a role in improving affordability and housing diversity in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The research project, led by Professor Andrew Beer from the University of Adelaide, will investigate opportunities to increase the supply of affordable and diverse housing through alternative construction methods, including offsite and prefabricated housing.<\/p>\n
The City of Mount Gambier has been invited to participate as a case study location as part of the nationwide research due to its unique location, size and surrounding timber industry.<\/p>\n
Mayor Martin said Council\u2019s involvement aligns strongly with its existing strategic direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil has an adopted Affordable Housing Plan and a clear commitment to supporting housing choice and affordability,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cParticipating in this research allows us to contribute to a national conversation while ensuring the outcomes are relevant and practical for regional communities like ours.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project aims to address key barriers that have limited the uptake of prefabricated housing in regional Australia, including fragmented industry standards, limited understanding of local government requirements, regulatory complexity, and gaps in knowledge around performance, compliance and design integration.<\/p>\n
Research outcomes are expected to identify where prefabricated and offsite housing can be most effectively deployed, potential affordability gains, community acceptance factors, and the regulatory and policy reforms required to accelerate adoption.<\/p>\n
Mayor Martin said council\u2019s role as a partner organisation would help ensure local government perspectives are reflected in the research.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal councils play an important role in planning, development assessment and community engagement,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing involved from the outset helps ensure the research delivers practical insights that can support better planning outcomes and more affordable housing options in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project aligns with council\u2019s strategic priorities across learning and innovation, infrastructure and services, and economic and business growth, and supports regional planning objectives for the Limestone Coast.<\/p>\n
City of Mount Gambier CEO Paul Simpson said council\u2019s participation reflects both the region\u2019s strengths and its commitment to practical innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cMount Gambier has a strong forestry and timber industry that already plays a vital role in supplying materials for housing construction across South Australia,\u201d Mr Simpson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes sense for council to be at the forefront of national research that explores how this local capability can support more affordable, efficient and sustainable housing outcomes in regional communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBy contributing to this research, we are not only supporting an industry that underpins the economic health of our city but also helping to identify solutions that could improve housing supply and affordability for current and future residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project will only proceed if funding is successfully secured through the ARC Linkage Grant program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE City of Mount Gambier will participate in a national research project led by the University of Adelaide to address housing affordability in regional communities. At its Ordinary Council Meeting on February 17, council noted the Affordable Housing Research Project – Adelaide University report and confirmed its intention to participate as a partner organisation, subject […]<\/p>\n