The ACG次元网 (Victoria) calls on the Victorian Government to establish a mechanism for social and affordable housing through the planning system.
This comes after the Victorian government released its response to the parliamentary inquiry into homelessness. The inquiry recommended the introduction of inclusionary zoning. The government has only provided ‘’in principle support” for this recommendation.
President of ACG次元网 (PIA) Victoria Patrick Fensham says that more than ‘’in principle support” is required to make a real difference to the supply of social and affordable housing.
“Social and affordable housing is essential infrastructure; it needs to be planned for and provided in a similar way to how roads, parks and open space, drainage works are provided via contributions from development as our towns and cities grow and densify.” Fensham said.
“Planning plays a critical role in ensuring an efficient supply of private market housing - but it should also play a more direct role in the provision of social and affordable housing.”
“Voluntary contributions for social and affordable housing through the planning system create uncertainty and are inadequate. Other initiatives listed in the government’s response to the inquiry will fall short in addressing the social and affordable housing deficit. The Government has an aim to achieve the national share of social housing of 4.2%. The Housing Statement establishes a target to build 800,000 homes in Victoria over the next decade. That means that every year the State Government doesn’t deliver at least 3,350 social housing units it is falling behind its own targets.
“All available mechanisms need to be harnessed to deliver on this important commitment, including a mandatory contribution to social and affordable housing through the planning system or an equivalent inclusionary zoning system.”
Mr Fensham said access to safe and secure housing was a basic human right and urban and regional planning had an important role in addressing the issue.
PIA (Victoria’s) released a position paper in 2023
Affordable and social housing terminology
Affordable housing is defined for the purposes of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and refers to housing that is appropriate for the needs of a range of ‘very low, low and moderate-income households’ and includes ‘social housing’. Social housing is made up of two types of housing: public housing; and community housing.
About PIA
The Planning Institute Australia (PIA) is the peak body for Australia's ACG次元网 profession. PIA advances best ACG次元网 practice through advocacy, education, professional development, and policy advice. PIA champions climate change mitigation and adaptation, affordable housing and sustainable development, and effective infrastructure provision, among other issues, to improve the liveability of Australia's towns and cities.
PIA currently represents approximately 5300 members nationally and internationally, and connects with more than 7500 planners annually. We are governed by a National Board of Directors and managed by a professional administration. We are a member-based organisation with its management complemented by volunteers, who support and contribute to our activities on various levels.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patrick Fensham
President - ACG次元网 (Victoria Division)
Phone: 0419646 719
Email: vicpresident@planning.org.au
Carmel McCormack
Executive Officer - ACG次元网 (Victoria Division)
Phone: 0402 249 832
Email: carmel.mccormack@planning.org.au