Melbourne’s Merri-bek council has announced that it is urging the Victorian and federal governments to use local council resources to tackle the affordable housing crisis.
Local resources include council-owned land, such as that in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Coburg.
Merri-bek mayor Cr Angelica Panopoulos said all levels of government need to work together to address the housing crisis.
“The availability of affordable housing stock is becoming more and more limited, and it’s clear all levels of government need to look at new options to get more people into housing they can afford,” Panopoulos said.
“Merri-bek City Council owns large parcels of land in central Coburg that could accommodate public and affordable housing outcomes and be delivered in partnership with the State and Federal governments.
“We would love to work with the State Housing Minister, local MPs and the local community to make this a reality.”
Last week a meeting was held by Merri-bek Council during which it determined its stance on various measures aimed at enhancing housing affordability.
“Government-delivered housing stock is just one of many ways to tackle the housing crisis. Council also believes developers should be required to deliver affordable housing in new residential developments under the Victorian Planning Provisions.
“We’re also investigating the ability of Council to impose limitations and levies on short-term rentals.”
Panopoulos revealed the Council is already working to address the issue within their authority and further emphasised their eagerness to work with the state government.
“We are doing our part to deliver more housing, and have approved more than 96% of planning applications over the past 5 financial years. There have been over 15,000 new dwellings built in Merri-bek over the past 5 financial years, an important increase in housing supply,” she said.
“We have also approved the transfer of council land to Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd for an important project at Wilkinson Street, Brunswick, to be developed into social housing.
“We hope to meet with decision-makers at the table soon to start taking meaningful action on affordable housing.”
