Macedon Ranges council is focusing on advocacy with the adoption of its affordable housing policy, amid increasing housing costs.
At its meeting on Wednesday, June 28, council voted to pass the policy which aims to guide affordable housing on public and private land through appropriate and effective advocacy, facilitation and decision-making.
Councillor Rob Guthrie said there is a housing crisis in Australia and council should do as much as it can.
“As we’ve seen around us all the time, there’s an absolute housing crisis in Australia,” Cr Guthrie said.
“I believe that as a responsible council we’ve got to do as much as we possibly can … we’ve got to be looking at a lot more new initiatives, what can we do [and] how can we get people not sleeping on the street.
“The more we can advocate, and push and push to help the more vulnerable people in our community.”
Deputy mayor Jennifer Anderson agreed and said while council is limited to in it can do, the policy is a great start.
“We’re limited in local government with what we can do with social and affordable housing but it is great that we’ve got a start with the policy,” Cr Anderson said.
“A lot of what we’re going to do is going to be advocacy, and a lot of it will be to do with federal and state government laws and changes in the planning scheme.
“This [policy] is a really great start … and I’d commend anyone else who feels that they can do something to assist with our increasing homelessness or on the brink of homelessness population.”
The policy links a clear relationship between access to appropriate housing and wellbeing, and said housing costs in the Macedon Ranges have risen significantly relative to incomes.
Community feedback was sought during the creation of the policy, with most respondents in support of the draft policy.
Zoe Moffatt
