Views sought on Draft Maroondah Affordable and Social Housing Policy

The community is being invited to have their say on the future of social and affordable housing in Maroondah.

At its meeting on Monday 25 June 2018, Council resolved to place the Draft Maroondah Affordable and Social Housing Policy on public exhibition and is now seeking community feedback.

The new municipal-wide policy sets out a strategic framework and role of Council in addressing affordable and social housing issues in Maroondah.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Nora Lamont said the purpose of the consultation was to gain feedback from the community on the draft Policy.

“This is a chance for the community to read the policy and provide their feedback before the document is finalised. It is important for us to hear these opinions as it means that we can make informed decisions about the Policy and what it is set to achieve for our municipality in the coming years,” Cr Lamont said.

In preparing the document Council found that changes in the housing market and an increased demand for affordable housing in Maroondah are two key issues impacting the local community.

As a result, many households within Maroondah are struggling to meet rent and mortgage repayments or find accommodation.

About one in 10 households in Maroondah are in either serious or severe housing stress, requiring assistance for rent or mortgage repayments. This equates to more than 4000 low-income households within the Maroondah municipality.

As the population of Maroondah continues to change, Council recognises the need to address the housing issues of current residents, as well as improve the diversity and affordability of housing for future generations.

The Maroondah Housing Strategy 2016 identified the need for an affordable and social housing policy to ensure that Maroondah remains an affordable and liveable location for its residents, with access to services, employment, infrastructure, and diversity of housing.

Research found that whilst Maroondah is considered to have a ‘healthy’ majority of residents owning their own home (outright or with a mortgage), home ownership has only increased by 1.1 per cent over the past 10 years, while renters have increased by 2.3 per cent yearly.

The accessibility of public housing is also a significant issue for Maroondah, due to the uneven distribution of both state-owned public housing and community housing across the metropolitan area.

Council also recognises that Maroondah’s population is ageing. The fastest population growth of all age categories is in the 70 to 84-year age group. However, there is a lack of access to affordable age-friendly housing to meet this ageing population which is becoming an increasing source of housing and general life stress.

The establishment of a formal policy would enable Council to play an increased role in facilitating affordable housing, social housing and age-friendly accommodation through regional collaboration, advocacy to higher levels of government, and through land use planning policy. The policy will also encourage Council to build on partnerships with local community and service providers.

The community can have their say by filling out Council’s online Draft Maroondah Affordable and Social Housing Policy 2018 – Public Submission Form:

Have your say online

Alternatively, you can view the Draft Maroondah Affordable and Social Housing Policy and download and fill out a hard-copy submission form, mailing it to PO Box 156, Ringwood 3134.

Community consultation will close on Friday 27 July.