Social and affordable housing is required when the private rental and home ownership markets cannot meet housing need.
There is much evidence to suggest there is significant need for social and affordable housing in our shire.
We have heard from key workers, families, women and older residents struggling to stay in their communities due to a lack of affordable housing.
Private rental vacancy rates are below one per cent and 783 people are on the waiting list for social housing in the Anglesea – Aireys district alone.
Currently Anglesea and Aireys Inlet have 29 social housing dwellings and there are 97 social housing dwellings across the Surf Coast Shire.
G21 research indicates a social housing shortfall of 335 dwellings in the Surf Coast Shire based on 2016 census data. Data from the 2021 census is not yet available but is likely to indicate an even greater shortfall.
Job vacancy rates have ballooned and local businesses and health organisations are struggling to find staff.
The shortage of key workers such as nurses and other specialised health professionals, teachers, early year’s educators, emergency service officers, hospitality and retail and health and beauty workers negatively impacts the social fabric and the economic prosperity of our communities and townships.
Diversity in our accommodation mix sees people step into a variety of professional and civic roles, generating economic and social capital.