Hobsons Bay council is aiming to increase the supply of affordable housing in the municipality as part of an updated affordable housing policy.
At its most recent council meeting, the council adopted the policy which replaces the previous policy which was created in 2016.
The council made a number of key commitments in the policy.
They include seeking an affordable housing contribution when land is rezoned for residential use in Hobsons Bay.
Lowering the threshold from 20 dwellings to 10, for when the council will seek that a proposed residential development includes affordable housing.
As well as advocating for a new state wide planning provision that would require an affordable housing contribution for all residential rezonings and residential developments.
The council said a new commitment was added for the council to advocate for improved access to support services for at-risk residents, and appropriate renewal of public housing estates in Hobsons Bay.
A number of key themes were identified in community consultation for the policy, including recognising the need and benefits of affordable housing, more affordable housing, funding and policy reform and location and density.,
Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said this policy will guide council in the years ahead as the council tries to meet that growing demand.
“We are in the midst of a housing crisis that is many decades in the making, with an urgent need for more affordable housing for people on very low, low and moderate incomes in Hobsons Bay,” he said.
“We need more than 1400 additional affordable homes to meet local need.”
