Affordable Housing Strategy

The Rural City of Wangaratta is addressing community concerns regarding housing affordability in the region and is pleased to unveil its draft Affordable Housing Strategy. Council acknowledges the growing challenges faced by many in our community and invites residents to provide feedback.  

Residents are encouraged to share their comments online via the Connect Wangaratta portal or through written correspondence. Additionally, drop-in sessions will be held to facilitate discussion. The consultation period will run until June 3, 2024. 

The draft strategy was endorsed for public exhibition at the Council meeting held on Tuesday 30 April and aims to see an increase in the supply of social, affordable, and key worker housing in the city. It will do this through direct investment of Council resources, land use planning, advocacy, partnering and community engagement. 

Since the start of COVID, house prices in Wangaratta have increased by 50%. This has meant that more people are unable to afford to buy or rent a house and that many households are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. This has led to a 67% increase in people experiencing homelessness in Wangaratta, from 2016. It also means that employers are finding it difficult to recruit and retain staff to the city and region. While funding support for affordable housing is primarily the responsibility of the Commonwealth and State Governments, Local Government can also play a role.  

Marcus Goonan, Director Community & Infrastructure encourages residents to make a submission "We are eager to hear from our residents and stakeholders on this important draft Housing Strategy. Your feedback is invaluable as we work towards shaping a housing plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community." He said. 

Background 

In February 2023, Council held a stakeholder Housing and Homelessness Forum to understand what local government organisations could do to support the community and to further understand the complex issues around housing insecurity.  

Council committed to the development of the Strategy after the forum which drew participants from various sectors including registered housing organisations, local family violence and homelessness support services, health services, local businesses such as real estate agents and property developers, and Regional Development Victoria.  

Council approved the budget for the Affordable Housing Strategy and a social planner was employed in October 2023. Council held a follow up Housing and Homelessness Forum in February 2024, bringing these agencies together again to help shape the draft strategy.