THE Surf Coast Shire is running workshops in Lorne with the goal of improving housing affordability for key and essential workers in\u00a0the municipality.<\/p>\n
A shortage of long-term accommodation in the area is not a new issue for the community, with similar sessions held in 2023 in an effort to find a solution.<\/p>\n
A recent inquiry into Victoria’s regional housing supply found almost 70 per cent of homes in Lorne are empty during the off-season with house prices around the $1.8 million price range, deterring many essential workers from living in the area.<\/p>\n
The first of two workshops took place last week, where 13 community representatives attended and were involved with discussions.<\/p>\n
Shire acting general manager place making and environment Gabby Spiller said the workshops aimed to define the housing issues and see what could be done at a local level to\u00a0make a difference.<\/p>\n
“Growing housing unaffordability in Lorne is forcing lower and middle income families to choose to\u00a0live elsewhere.<\/p>\n
“Businesses are unable to attract and retain workers which affects service availability and quality.”<\/p>\n
After the first workshop, the group had a drafted problem statement to guide the generation of ideas, with the second workshop aiming to have a preferred project to progress with.<\/p>\n
“The community will identify the preferred project and, if clearly supported, Council can confirm budget allocation of $50,000,” Ms\u00a0Spiller said.<\/p>\n
“Depending on what the project is, an advocacy and funding strategy may be implemented to leverage\u00a0Council’s investment.”<\/p>\n
The final goal is to contribute to affordable, long term rental options to help improve service access, business viability and economic performance.<\/p>\n
The next workshop will be held on Monday, July 21.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Surf Coast Shire is running workshops in Lorne with the goal of improving housing affordability for key and essential workers in\u00a0the municipality. A shortage of long-term accommodation in the area is not a new issue for the community, with similar sessions held in 2023 in an effort to find a solution. A recent inquiry […]<\/p>\n