MEDIA RELEASE
2 May 2011
Affordable housing a serious concern for local governments and communities
The impacts of the lack of affordable housing options for renters and buyers affecting a widening demographic in local communities is of growing concern to local governments, according to a survey and forum conducted by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA).
VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn said the survey and forum both indicate that housing affordability for home buyers is only one dimension of the rapidly growing housing crisis.
A recorded webcast of the recent VLGA Leading Edge Forum addressing, among other things, roles for local governments in affordable housing, can be viewed at
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum.
“A lack of provision of social and community housing is also affecting the most vulnerable members of local communities. Better co-operation between Federal, State and local governments seems a logical way to make a difference.
“The results of the VLGA’s Affordable Housing Survey, which drew responses from a broad range of metropolitan, regional and rural local governments, underscore the recent finding that Melbourne has now overtaken Sydney as the least affordable Australian city for residential housing.
“Key findings of the survey also indicate there is an emerging housing crisis in rural and regional areas, coupled with a lack of resources within local government for developing appropriate strategic responses.
“A key measure requiring the attention of the new State Government is the need to change State planning laws, so that at the very least, local governments and developers can enter into voluntary affordable housing agreements without fear of being over-ruled at VCAT.
“The VLGA also calls on the State Government to resource a significant increase in the capacity of local government across Victoria to develop and implement local affordable housing strategies.
“This should be done not as a cost-shift from other levels of government who, after all, possess most of the tools and powers to really make a big difference. Rather, it is more cost-effective for the Federal, State and local governments to improve partnerships and co-operation. A critical first step in a renewed partnership would be the collation of reliable local data highlighting affordable housing needs across Victoria. Specific local strategies for increasing the supply and diversity of affordable housing can then be developed with adequate support,” Cr Dunn added.
According to Cr Jeanette McRae, chair of the VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group, “the survey results also include successful case studies of affordable housing. These can be built upon with support for knowledge sharing of case studies and hosting a community of practice on the issue.
“Recommendations from our survey also include a broad-ranging community engagement process, which we see as critical if barriers to increasing supply are to be improved. Another challenge is persuading developers of the benefits of participating in affordable housing schemes, including partnerships with community and public housing providers.
“The VLGA believes local governments should be empowered to be strong leaders, deliver excellence in governance, and lead the way in promoting sustainable and engaged communities.
“It is against this background that the VLGA has committed to raising the profile of housing affordability in the local government sector as well as more broadly in the community,” Cr McRae concluded.
ENDS
For further information:
* Read a full copy of the VLGA’s Affordable Housing Survey and Recommendations at
http://vlga.org.au/Resources/Library/LocalGovernmentAffordableHousingSurveyReport-May2011.aspx
* View the live webcast of the VLGA’s Leading Edge Forum on Local Government’s Role in Affordable Housing at
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum
For comment:
Contact VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn on 0407 364 509