Since the start of COVID, house prices in Wangaratta have increased by 50%. This has meant that more people are unable to afford to buy or rent a house and that many households are spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
This has led to a 67% increase in people experiencing homelessness in Wangaratta, from 2016. It also means that employers are finding it hard to recruit and keep staff to the city and region.
While funding support for affordable housing is primarily the responsibility of the Commonwealth and State Governments, Local Government can also play a role. That is why Council has developed an Affordable Housing Strategy.
Ultimately, the Strategy aims to see an increase in the supply of social, affordable and key worker housing in the City.
It will do this through:
- Direct investment of Council resources
- Land use planning
- Advocacy
- Partnering and community engagement
At the Council meeting held on Tuesday 30 April 2024, the draft Affordable Housing Strategy was endorsed for public exhibition. We are now consulting on the draft strategy and would like your feedback.
The consultation will close on 3 June 2024. Visti Connect Wangaratta for more details.