Search for key areas of need

THE demand for more social housing on the Bellarine Peninsula will be explored under a new citywide blueprint for the sector.

The Geelong council has committed to working with housing support agencies to identify where and how much affordable accommodation was required locally.

It follows a request from resident Di Roberts, who pointed out the scarcity of affordable rental options across the Bellarine for residents aged over 55.

The council said the majority of social housing was provided by the State Government and community associations, but it could still play a role in identifying key areas of need.

“We are experiencing rapid population growth and housing demands on the Bellarine Peninsula at the moment,” the council said. “The provision of social housing on the Bellarine will be part of our policy development.”

The proposed policy comes as more than 82,000 Victorians languish on a public housing waiting list — almost one-third of them children.

Data also shows that a lack of resources caused one-inthree people to be turned away from homelessness services in Victoria last year.

The State Government wants to roll out its Public Housing Renewal Program, but the plan has drawn criticism from the housing support sector, the Opposition and the Greens.