The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has called for urgent action on affordable housing in Northern Victoria.
Ms Broad said it was time the Allan Labor Government addressed the many concerns that residents have around the lack of affordable housing, especially in Bendigo and Swan Hill.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Broad highlighted the need to support innovative housing solutions such as Residential Land Lease Communities (RLLCs) – a model designed to provide secure and affordable housing for people over 55.
“Many residents have told me they are struggling to find affordable housing and the issue is only getting worse in regional areas like Bendigo and Swan Hill,” Ms Broad said.
“Supporting the development of Residential Land Lease Communities, particularly in peri-urban and regional Victoria is an important step to increasing affordable housing supply quickly, freeing up homeowner capital and allowing ageing in place.
“New South Wales and Queensland have already embraced this model, while Victoria lags behind. That needs to change if we want to see real progress in tackling the housing crisis in regional areas.
“Labor can’t manage housing and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
Ms Broad urged the Minister for Housing and Building to meet with Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria, who recently released a detailed proposal on how land lease communities can be better supported across the state.
“Residents in Kangaroo Flat and Marong are already benefiting from these communities, but we need more – and the government needs to take action to make it easier to deliver affordable housing options for older Victorians,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
