With housing prices impacting the affordability of rentals and the cost-of-living, there are calls for increased affordable rentals and social housing in the Macedon Ranges.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health manager of housing support Justine Maher said the organisation is seeing increasing numbers of people living on or below the poverty line, with “food banks and material aid … a necessity“.
“While the population is growing in the Macedon Ranges, we have not seen an increase in public or social and affordable housing in the area. Rental affordability is difficult for many families, especially for one-income households, those on low incomes, and for families relying on Centrelink payments,” Ms Maher said.
“An increase in affordable rentals and public housing is needed to meet the needs of community members who are impacted by the rising cost-of-living and we would particularly like to see more one-bedroom properties built for single people and couples,” she said.
Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno said that broadly, the council welcomes “any additional state government investment in additional housing for our shire, including specific targets and support for more affordable housing consistent with our affordable housing policy“.
He said that an essential aspect of meeting the future housing needs of the region is ensuring that affordable housing is available locally.
“The Victorian Government allocated a minimum $30 million investment to the Macedon Ranges through the Big Housing Build; however, to date, only $12.5 million has been allocated to our region. We have requested confirmation from the Victorian Government as to the availability of the remaining $17.5 million and how it will be allocated.
“We would welcome opportunities to partner with the Victorian Government to facilitate increased provision of local affordable housing.”
A Homes Victoria spokesperson said there is “no more important issue than housing right across Victoria“ and it is continuing to “work closely with local governments – including Macedon Ranges Shire Council – and other community agencies to unlock land and develop partnerships to deliver more and better homes for Victorians in priority areas.”
“Under the Big Housing Build and other social housing projects, we have already invested $12.5 million in Macedon Ranges to build 25 homes – and we will continue to work closely with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and other stakeholders to identify suitable locations and work collaboratively on planning applications to see all of these much-needed homes built.”
