As part of the Victorian Big Build the Victorian State Government has allocated an estimated $60M to assist in achieving quality housing outcomes for social and affordable housing across the municipality of Latrobe City.

This announcement coincides with Latrobe City Council’s recent advice of their intended investment of $100,000 to undertake the Latrobe City Social and Affordable Housing Strategy.  This strategy will assist to guide the implementation, location and design of social and affordable housing that is required to address community needs within the local government area.

Quantum Support Service welcome this announcement, that responds to the growing housing crisis.  The organisation believes that multiple factors need to be considered to ensure that the investment provides the best outcomes and benefits to those people in our community who are most impacted by the shortage of affordable and social housing across the region.

According to Quantum’s Executive Director of Client Services, Cindy Pullar, there has been a remarkable increase in housing stress. “Housing stress is caused when the household is spending 30% or more of their income on rent or mortgage.  We are seeing an increase in families and individuals needing support.  We believe this is a result of wages essentially stagnating and rental prices increasing, which is creating additional housing stress”.

Cindy also states “We have seen some families and individuals receive advice from their landlord of rental increases as high as $70 per week. Recent changes to the Residential Tenancy Act introduced in March 2021 are expected to impact those people who are moving from crisis or emergency accommodation into more medium to longer term arrangements. Availability of social housing and safe and affordable private rentals is limited in Gippsland.”

“A plan for new housing builds in our region has been a priority of the homelessness sector for a long time.  Any Government investment into addressing this need is welcomed.  There is still concern from our agency in regard to the likely timelines for implementation and the fact that our community needs secure and affordable housing options now.  There is little information about the interim plan to assist those families in immediate need while waiting for the rollout of Victoria’s Big Build”.