My Home Network has warned that the region’s affordable housing crisis is worsening.
Spokesperson Kaz Neilson said a public forum being presented by MHN in Castlemaine next month aimed to keep the conversation and action on housing going.
“More and more local community members are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to find a safe, secure and affordable roof over their heads,” Ms Neilson said.
“With soaring living and rental costs, lack of available housing and more people moving to the region, thousands more are just getting by.
“Housing is a basic human right. It shouldn’t — and needn’t — be like this.”
Community members will have an opportunity to be part of a conversation with three tiers of government about how to address the crisis at the upcoming forum.
A panel of speakers will include Federal Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters, Bendigo West State MP Maree Edwards, Mount Alexander Shire mayor Rosie Annear, the council’s housing solutions broker Clare Richards, and strategic planning coordinator Lauren Watt.
The housing crisis was a feature of discussions in the lead-up to recent state and federal elections.
The forum is an opportunity to hear from governments on what they are doing to address housing needs and discuss what more can be done. Discussion will include how they can work more collaboratively to create real, genuine solutions for the community.
Ms Neilson said the Mount Alexander Shire community had one of the strongest cultures of citizen engagement in Victoria. Residents are engaged in the housing crisis discussion and want to be part of the solution.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s recent community consultation on its proposed changes to change Local Law 13 regarding tiny homes on wheels attracted more than 1500 submissions — the most the council had ever received for any public consultation.
The forum will be held at Castlemaine Town Hall from 1.30pm-3.30pm on Saturday April 22.
Questions can be submitted to the panel as part of the free registration process at www.trybooking.com/CHCFI or email cneilson@castlemainehealth.org.au.
My Home Network is auspiced by Dhelkaya Health and made up of passionate community members, locals with lived experience of the housing crisis, and representatives from local housing initiatives, community, and government organisations. The forum is also supported by Democracy for Dinner, a local platform for exploring policy issues and improving democracy.