Affordable Housing strategy released

A Homelessness think tank in partnership with Rotary is one feature of the new Bass Coast Shire Affordable Housing Strategy.

Council said the strategy would facilitate increased affordable housing throughout Bass Coast where it is most needed and close to essential services.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said the strategy demonstrates its commitment to address the clear and immediate need for more affordable housing in Bass Coast.

“The strategy provides a strong platform for partnerships with community, state and federal government and community housing organisations to bring needed affordable housing to the shire,” Cr Michael Whelan.

“Housing affordability is a key priority for Council and links in with Council’s Healthy Communities Plan 2021-25.

“We are focused heavily on increasing affordable housing and supporting people with the need for safe, secure and affordable housing in the community.”

The council said very low, low and moderate-income households across Bass Coast are experiencing rental and mortgage stress at higher rates than Gippsland and regional Victoria averages, with 83.5 per cent of very-low income households in the Bass Coast Shire experiencing rental stress, along with 52.7 per cent of low-income and 50.7 per cent of moderate-income households.

In Bass Coast, older single women are the largest growing cohort of people in need in the community and family violence continues to be a strong driver of homelessness in the community.

Cr Whelan said the think tank will provide an opportunity for further collaboration and local-level action to reduce the impact and incidence of homelessness in the Shire.

He said feedback from the community and sector contributors has been incorporated into the final draft of the strategy to ensure it aligns with the needs and perspectives of the community.