Access to safe and affordable housing is becoming untenable for many in our region and across the country. The nationwide housing crisis is requiring a rethinking of the role of every level of government in relation to planning for, facilitating, and delivering affordable housing.
Mount Alexander Shire Council is one of many councils across Victoria and the nation looking at its role in this area, in recognition of the crippling impact that the lack of available and affordable housing is having on local economies, communities, families, and individuals.
During Tuesday’s meeting of council, a unanimous vote to support the allocation of air rights of a council-owned Templeton Street property was passed. The air rights will be given to Haven Home Safe in the form of a leasehold or freehold title for a period of between 35 and 49 years.
Cr Rosie Annear said stated, “This is a very real thing to help ease the strain on families struggling to get affordable and safe housing.”
Under the proposal, council will provide access to its land and in return, Haven Home Safe will provide safe and affordable housing to a diverse group of applicants local to the shire, including those who have left due to housing pressures, or those working in the shire who are unable to afford housing.
Trudi Ray CEO of Haven Home Safe, a for-purpose organisation providing affordable rental housing and homeless services, told the Mail, “We are pleased to see such strong community support and endorsement from councillors to allocate air rights to Haven Home Safe at Templeton Street Castlemaine so we can pursue funding for affordable rental housing in this location.
“Whilst this is the first time we have pursued the option of air rights to build affordable housing, it signals a shift in the sector to pursue emerging funding and delivery models and pull all available levers to increase the supply of social and affordable housing,” Ms Ray said.
“Living in Mount Alexander Shire is unaffordable for an increasingly significant proportion of the population, leading to widespread housing stress as people are forced to move out of the shire to find accommodation. Housing affordability and availability is also significantly impacting the ability of businesses to secure key workers.”
Community consultation was carried out with residents and businesses in the region with 134 respondents and 70 businesses surveyed. A number of concerns were raised regarding increased street parking, heritage concerns, and timeframes. The report indicates a substantial majority of residents expressed in-principle support with 81.3 per cent of the 134 respondents agreeing to the allocation of air rights.
Cr Matthew Driscoll said, “This is great. Unfortunately, there will be a lot of hoops to jump through, it’s not a done deal, but if things fall our way, it’s very doable. This is not traditionally what council does but homelessness is rife and it’s important for local government to step up and be innovative.”
Carolyn Neilson from My Home Network said, “This is a great first step and we applaud the council for their commitment to providing housing in the community. This is one strategy amongst many to provide affordable, safe housing in our region.”