A Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWs) Pilot is starting in the Surf Coast Shire to provide more affordable housing and key worker accommodation.
The council endorsed the three-year pilot, which will run until December 2026, during its December 12 meeting, with applications now open.
Mayor Liz Pattison said the program would help address the impacts of THOWs and whether it would provide a safe and legal way to offer diverse and affordable housing options.
“Issues surrounding the regulation of tiny houses on wheels are complex and largely uncharted in Victoria,” she said.
“We’re among the first councils in Australia to endorse a tiny houses pilot, and we’re proud to be proactive in this space to provide key workers with a potential accommodation solution.
“The pilot also supports our goal to see households take their own steps to become more sustainable, with tiny homes typically resulting in a reduced environmental footprint.”
Mayor Pattison said the pilot was not a “short-term leisure-style accommodation” and that successful applicants would receive a Temporary Residence permit.
“It could enable residents, some who might currently be living in unaffordable or unsuitable housing, to stay in their community close to their jobs, social networks and family,” she said.
“We’re also clear in what a THOWs is. In this pilot, we aren’t classifying caravans, wagons, vans, tents, transportable homes, or shipping containers as THOWs.
“The pilot adds to the Aireys Inlet Affordable Housing Project to develop social and affordable housing in Fraser Drive, and the Anglesea Community and Health Hub draft precinct plan which features proposed townhouses and apartments for key workers.”
For more information on how to apply for the THOWs Pilot, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/THOWs
