Why we need a strategy

Every person has a right to adequate housing and an adequate standard of living. That right is set out in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and Australia is a party to the agreement.

While there may not be a legislative right to adequate housing in Australia, there is a moral, social, and economic imperative to ensure that everyone in the community can access safe, secure, affordable housing.

A person who is in insecure, inadequate or unaffordable housing cannot fully participate in the community and in the economy. It impacts on their ability to successfully complete education or training programs, to secure and maintain a job, or to pay for vital health care. It limits their capacity to contribute to community cohesiveness.

There is a housing crisis in Australia. And Victoria has the lowest rate of social housing of any State.

In Mitchell Shire, thousands of households are in housing stress. They pay more than 30% of their household income on housing costs, leaving not enough for other expenses like transport, education supplies, health, food, and utilities.

As the population grows in Mitchell Shire, and without meaningful intervention, the growing demand for housing to meet the needs of people who are struggling to participate in the private housing market will only continue to increase.

This is a challenge that we cannot solve on our own. It requires commitment and funding from State and Federal governments.
As a local government, we are committed to doing what we can to facilitate and advocate for the delivery of affordable housing.