A forum that will focus on solutions to the housing crisis will be held in Geelong this week.
A Real Deal for Geelong (ARDFG) alliance said the forum will present “evidence-based policy ideas to decision-makers to seek their support”.
It will feature community stories about the impact of the housing crisis and community-designed solutions to it.
On Friday March 1, Premier Jacinta Allan announced 18 percent of housing to be built at the Waurn Ponds Commonwealth Games village site would be social and affordable housing.
ARDFG has brought together a diverse coalition of faith, union, and community organisations to respond to the pressure challenges of housing affordability,
meaningful work and the cost of living and care and connection within our community. After holding a listening campaign, and building a community agenda for change at community forums, ARDFG has been advocating for 30 percent social housing at the Waurn Ponds.
“We are very pleased to see that there has been an allocation for affordable and social housing announced by the premier last week,” St Bernard’s Church Belmont’s Noreen Nicholson said.
“However, we seek clarity on how many homes are classified as affordable versus social homes and when these will be delivered as there is dire and desperate need for more social housing in Geelong.”
“The housing crisis exacerbates the existing disadvantages faced by the most vulnerable members of our community, particularly in the northern suburbs,” Cloverdale Community Centre Corio’s chief executive Liz Bonner said.
“Our policies ensure that they are not left behind, striving for an inclusive and supportive community for all.
“Our emerging coalition is enthusiastic to be at the table as civil society partners in ensuring that the Waurn Ponds development meets the needs of community, as well as working together on other concrete solutions for our communities in Geelong.”.
The forum is at Geelong West Town Hall on Thursday March 14 from 7pm. For more information see arealdeal.org/geelong
