Latrobe City Council endorsed the Latrobe City Interim Social & Affordable Housing Policy (the Policy) for an additional two years at this month’s Council Meeting.
The Policy aims to provide suitable assessment criteria for social and affordable housing planning permit applications, which is part of the Latrobe City Social and Affordable Housing Strategy.
Since the approval of the Strategy in 2021, Council Officers have been developing the Policy in consultation with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
The progression of the Policy was delayed due to multiple factors including the pending release of the State Government’s 10-year Social and Affordable Housing Strategy, which is still yet to be finalised.
In the 2020/2021 State Budget, the Victorian State Government announced a funding package of $5.3 billion in social and affordable housing as part of the Big Housing Build (BHB).
This four-year program will see the construction of 12,000 new social housing buildings with $1.3 billion allocated to the Social Housing Growth Fund and $2.1 billion distributed to partnerships with private and community housing sectors.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Kellie O’Callaghan said the renewal of the interim policy will act as a positive advocacy tool, as public social housing is essential to address housing inequity and provide affordable housing options for the community in appropriate locations.
“By directing social and affordable housing developments to highly accessible locations, there will be positive social and economic impacts. This will promote healthy lifestyle options, including social interaction and community participation,” said the Mayor.
“Engagement and consultation have been undertaken with the community, key stakeholders, agencies and authorities during the development of the Latrobe City Social and Affordable Housing Strategy 2021.”
“Public social housing offers a long-term solution to housing challenges, offering stability and support to individuals who may otherwise struggle to secure suitable housing.”
To view the Latrobe City Interim Social & Affordable Housing Policy, visit Council’s website here:
https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Interim_social_and_affordable_housing_policy