The Victorian government is looking for public input on a 10-year strategy for social and affordable housing, releasing a discussion paper for consultation.
The strategy, which outlines principles for public housing, community housing and private affordable housing is a part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build package announced in the 2020/21 budget. A hallmark of that big-spending announcement was a concerted move away from public housing, that is housing owned and managed by the government, to community housing managed by independent community housing providers and other forms of affordable housing, which can be owned by private businesses.
The discussion paper notes that while social housing (public and community housing) is the core response within the strategy, a range of complementary affordable housing options are needed to respond to the different circumstances of people who need some form of lower cost housing.
“There is a chronic shortage of affordable private rental properties across the state, and there are very few dedicated affordable rental homes available that can provide an alternative to, or pathway out of, social housing for those that need it,” the paper states.
A number of core principles are set out in the discussion paper. Social and affordable housing should put “people at the centre,” so that it is designed and delivered in a way that is responsive to the needs of different people, including those who face challenges in addition to affordability, such as disability, family violence or mental illness. There should also be “shared action and accountability” across government, within the community housing sector, and with other housing stakeholders. Initiatives should have a focus on “maximizing value,” relying on data and evidence to deliver the best outcomes and value. And housing should be built for sustainability, including being climate adapted, water and energy efficient and incorporating best practice design to ensure they are built for the future.
Housing minister Richard Wynne said the strategy would outline a blueprint for the future of the social housing system – “encompassing the diverse views of stakeholders and the community.”
“There will be a focus on bringing together stakeholders from across the community housing, private and community services sectors, as well as all levels of government,” the government said in a statement. “Combining their skills, expertise and capacity will help build a more effective social and affordable housing system that can meet the current and future needs of Victorians.”
The Big Housing Build package will deliver more than 12,000 new homes, including 9,300 new social housing homes, replace 1,100 old public housing units and a further 2,900 new affordable and low-cost homes for low-to-moderate income earners. In total that will mean an additional 8,200 social housing units in the system.
Community and stakeholder consultation is open until 9 April.
