THE need for new social housing in the south of Mitchell Shire and renewal of existing housing in the north are key themes of a draft affordable housing strategy released for public exhibition by Mitchell Shire Council.
The strategy outlines the effects of a country-wide housing crisis locally, with 8.8 per cent of Mitchell Shire households defined as being ‘in housing stress’.
The draft document estimates a shortfall of at least 1000 affordable housing dwellings across the shire, with almost no affordable housing in the rapidly growing areas of Beveridge, Wallan and Kilmore.
Seymour, conversely, has nearly three times the state average of social housing per capita, but many dwellings require refurbishment in the wake of a flood that struck the town in October.
Cr Rhonda Sanderson encouraged people to view the draft strategy and provide feedback by visiting website engagingmitchellshire.com/affordable-housing-strategy or viewing a physical copy at a council service centre before April 21.
“In the context of Mitchell Shire we’re talking about social housing, and we know there is virtually nil in our growth areas of Wallan and Beveridge, so we’re hoping to address that here,” she said.
“We have quite a lot in the northern part of the shire, probably over the recommended percentage. So we’re trying to address two factors there. We want the current stock that we have renewed.
“We would really appreciate if the community would have a look and let us know any gaps there might be and have a say.”
Cr David Lowe said the document outlined council’s advocacy approach to securing more affordable housing.
“Our role is about advocacy, engagement and partnerships, leveraging land-use planning and providing incentives and opportunities. That’s what we must do to our fullest extent,” he said.
“I would commend this document to the people of the shire and hope to get some feedback and comments on what is an important part of our social fabric.”
Cr Bill Chisholm noted the effect of the floods on housing stock in the region.
“One of the things that highlights the need for this type of policy is the recent Seymour floods, where we’ve seen huge impacts on some people who can least afford housing,” he said.
“A lot of people were devastated by that flood event, and this would go some way to addressing that issue.
“It’s good to see this initiative taken on, and hopefully some of these people can be rehoused, because there are a lot of people suffering.”
