Housing solution blueprint released
Anew Wimmera-southern Malleefocused report has laid out best steps in solving a lack of appropriate housing in the region.
Wimmera Development Association has followed up on its 2020 housing review with the launch of its ‘Housing Blueprint’, which outlines the association’s core strategies to address the region’s housing crisis.
The association’s blueprint was based on seven core foundations, implemented concurrently, to best unravel the intertwined practical, economic and social challenges caused by a lack of appropriate housing.
Wimmera Development Association executive director Chris Sounness said the blueprint was a valuable step forward to address the region’s housing crisis, which was ‘exacerbated’ by COVID-19.
“The lack of housing affordability, rental and social housing availability shortages, construction industry capacity and skill development deficits, and the combined impacts on economic development, are very evident within the region,” he said.
“With WDA projecting 1.9 percent regional population growth over the next 15 years, there is a need for innovative housing and regional infrastructure solutions to support this growth target.”
The blueprint recognised a need for the region to adapt its housing to changed demographics in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.
The document highlighted disjoint between council planning schemes and a required mix of housing options needed in the region and a new demand for ‘smaller, affordable and economic fit-for-purpose’ housing.
It also recognised a ‘dire’ shortage of rental accommodation was a deterrent to attracting new employees to the region.
The blueprint’s seven foundations to meet these challenges include: short-term housing, ‘fit-for-purpose’ medium-density housing; employment-opportunity advocacy; tradespeople attraction; acquirement of appropriately zoned residential land; a supply of social and affordable housing; and finally development of a for-profit housing model ‘attractive to investors’.
The blueprint has highlighted overarched solutions and initiatives to address these challenges, which WDA has emphasised required regional stakeholder involvement and collaboration for success.
Mr Sounness said the association hoped to release further information on each of the blueprint’s foundations during the coming months.
He said, in combination with access to community facilities, healthcare and childcare, housing was acknowledged as a critical component to attract and retain people in the region.
“We have seen during the past 60 years population has increased by 8.7 percent, while the number of houses occupied has almost doubled, with an average of 2.2 people per dwelling in 2020-1, down from 4.1 in 1961,” he said.
“The blueprint strategies are aimed at accommodating new migrants and the ever-changing needs of residents, particularly ageing community members, with a focus on ‘ageing in place’ ensuring retiring community members are able to remain and be involved within our strong and vibrant communities.
“Housing choice and availability is a significant contributor to the liveability equation for new residents and for businesses attracting new staff, so several integrated solutions were needed to initiate future housing diversity and at a faster rate than is currently being delivered.”
Mr Sounness noted the blueprint was developed during extensive consultation with regional stakeholders including municipal councils, employers, developers, major and smaller business, affordable housing organisations and real-estate representatives.