Social housing response

THE Surf Coast Shire council has received strong support from a majority of people who made submissions to its draft social housing plan.
The council received 18 submissions in support of the plan and 10 objections to the proposal to guide how affordable housing is created in the shire.
The shire’s draft social housing plan has been developed as a part of the G21 Region Social Housing Project and outlines the need, opportunities and models for social housing.
At least $20 million has been committed to increase social housing in Surf Coast Shire as a part of Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build.
The social housing plan addresses a group of households who are living on low incomes and are spending more than 30 per cent of that income on unaffordable housing, usually private rental.
The plan explains that “in reality, for individuals and families in this situation, there is not enough money left each week to meet even basic needs; the solution to the problems of housing stress for households on very modest income is social housing”.
According to G21 data, the region has more than 3,600 subsidised social housing dwellings, where tenants pay no more than 25 per cent of household income, even if that income is minimal.
The plan reports that in the Surf Coast Shire, there are only 62 social housing properties and there is an unmet demand for an additional 335 homes, which has been recognised by the state government through its Big Housing Build funding.
The council asked for community feedback on the draft plan, which looks at various models of social housing, regional partnerships and other opportunities to create affordable housing.
Supporters of the plan acknowledged the shortage of low-cost housing across the shire, particularly in coastal towns, and the need for social housing.
Submitters mentioned the urgency of the issue and the housing shortage impact on businesses’ ability to employ staff, with one submitter suggesting the state government should have planning requirements for all new housing developments to have a percentage of social housing.
Objectors to the social housing policy said social housing should be focused in Winchelsea or Geelong rather than the coast; that the beauty and charm of communities would be lost; there was no need for social housing in the shire; and that crime rates
could increase.
All submitters were given an opportunity to speak to their written submissions at a special online meeting this week.
Council officers will review feedback and submissions and present a final draft for the council to consider at its August meeting.