Surf Coast Shire Council is continuing to address the affordable accommodation crisis through its latest Affordable Accommodation Action Plan.
Council adopted the 2024 action plan and endorsed the Aireys Inlet Affordable Housing Project concept design during its May 28 meeting.
Councillor Libby Stapleton said that “safe, secure, appropriate and affordable” housing was a “national problem” but also a “significant local one”.
“Policies and funding arrangements provided by state and federal governments, such as the big housing build, require collaboration from local government,” she said.
“(This will) help facilitate the delivery of much needed social and affordable housing and having that local community input to make sure it’s well located and well supported.
“Improving access to affordable residential accommodation is one of our goals, as we recognise the economic and social impacts that a lack of affordable housing is having on our communities.”
Cr Stapleton said the Aireys Inlet Affordable Housing Project was crucial in developing social and affordable housing on land at 2 Fraser Drive.
“The concept design is a key milestone in council’s quest to fulfil its strategic commitment to make affordable housing a priority,” she said.
“This project has been on the boil for a long time, and I know the community is keen to see it reach this next important milestone.
“The land is a valuable public asset and I think the community will be really pleased to see it remaining in council’s ownership long term.”
Council has proposed to enter a 50-year lease for the land with not-for-profit housing provider Housing Choices Australia to seek appropriate funding for the development.
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/housing to stay up to date with council’s housing projects.
