By Oliver Lees
An expert in housing research has welcomed the Macedon Ranges council’s introduction of an affordable housing policy.
Last week, Macedon Ranges council announced a first-of-its-kind affordable housing policy in a bid to provide greater living options for very low, low and moderate income households.
The draft policy follows a state government announcement of $5.3 billion investment into social and affordable housing across the state, with a minimum $30 million investment confirmed for the Macedon Ranges.
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) head of development Tom Alves said the cash boost is much-needed, as housing availability for low income earners continues to dwindle.
“I think it’s fair to say the problem of housing affordability as a problem is fairly widespread,” Dr Alves said.
“This has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We’ve seen very tight rental markets in regional areas in recent times. We’re seeing the availability of some more affordable homes being taken up by slightly higher income households, so consequently people are getting squeezed out [of the housing market].”
But Dr Alves said establishing affordable housing options in regional areas such as the Macedon Ranges can present unique challenges.
“Obviously for any person, but particularly for low income earners, accessibility to services and amenities is really important,” he said.
“If you don’t own a car and can’t drive around in that way, proximity to public transport is a necessity.”
According to council’s draft policy, an estimated 6.8 per cent, or 1740 households worth of housing options in the shire will need to accommodate those in the lowest pay bracket by the year 2036.
Dr Alves said this number was not particularly high, but believes a greater supply of housing in the shire could benefit those priced-out of the Melbourne market.
“[The Macedon Ranges] is a particular type of place, one that is serving a mixture of people, some commuting into Melbourne others living locally,” he said.
“We do need this kind of housing. It is important that people have access to what they need to live a decent life.”
Macedon Ranges council is currently seeking feedback on its Affordable Housing Policy.
To provide a submission, contact: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
