The Strategy’s purpose is twofold, giving Council a strong evidence base to support advocacy for funding from the State and Federal Governments, and exploring actions that Council can take to grow supply of the housing types that are needed in Greater Shepparton.
Housing need in Greater Shepparton is widespread and pressing. Our municipality has the highest level of homelessness of any regional city in Victoria, at 5.56 homeless persons per 1,000 people. Over 2,700 households on low incomes are in housing stress, going without food, clothing, medicine or heating to pay for their rent or mortgage. And although single-person households make up 25 per cent of the population, only three per cent of housing stock has one bedroom.
Shortages of suitable housing stock are affecting more and more people, including families with children (especially single parents), young people, older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and new migrants, as well as single people. Housing shortages are impacting health and well-being, and economic performance measures across the municipality.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah said “Council is keen to take advantage of recent changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 that enable broader action by Council. Council will continue to pursue every avenue to gain funding for Affordable Housing, and to support local organisations working in the housing provision sector,” she said.
“These changes increase Council’s capacity to negotiate for Affordable Housing through its role as Planning Authority; we’re breaking new ground with this Strategy, and we need input from the community to make the most of this opportunity,” said Cr Abdullah.
Comments and feedback can be submitted via the online form on Council’s website, by mail to Greater Shepparton City Council, Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton VIC 3632, or email Council.
Submissions can also be handed-in at Council reception, or placed in the after-hours mailbox next to the front doors of Council’s offices at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Council will be holding a public drop-in session in late November for anyone who wishes to discuss the Strategy in person.
For more information on the Draft Greater Shepparton Affordable Housing Strategy 2019 click here, or contact Council’s Building and Planning Department on 03 5832 9730.
