Over the past two years East Gippsland Shire Council has heard much from the community about the increase in homelessness.

Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said this is not just an East Gippsland issue and is not one Council alone can solve.

There are Victorian Government departments focused on social housing. A range of initiatives are coming from the Government to stimulate more social and affordable housing, while the role many councils across Victoria are playing is the release of land for this need.

“It is not solely Council’s responsibility to address the need for social and affordable housing, however we can play an important role. This can be through planning, advocacy and facilitation, and investment though infrastructure and land,” Ms Weigall said.

Having considered this important issue for the community through Council’s recently adopted Housing and Settlement Strategy, two parcels of land were identified that may be suitable for the development of affordable housing. Both needed their reservation status changed to allow for such use.

Council commenced the process of removing the reserve status and ensured that there was full transparency around this that included what the land was intended to be used for. The first stage of this process was to release the proposal for public comment.

“In early July we started seeking community feedback about the use of 20 Hardie Street (Lakes Entrance) and 74 Hadfield Street (Lucknow). This was broadly promoted, and information was also targeted to nearby residents and social housing providers,” Ms Weigall said.

“The response from the community has shown there are a lot of views about social and affordable housing, the use of land as identified, and other initiatives that could be pursued to help our community members who are down on their luck and need somewhere safe and warm to live,” Ms Weigall said.

“Given the diversity of views that Council has heard, and to ensure these are given full consideration, we have paused consideration for the sale of two properties.

“We want to work more broadly with our community and key local stakeholders to ensure we have considered this important matter as holistically as possible.”

What happens next?

Consideration for changing the reserve status and selling both properties is paused.

• The Planning Permit Application to remove the current reserve status of the land for 74 Hadfield Street will be withdrawn.
• Social and affordable housing options will be examined more broadly, with a view to providing the new Council with a broad policy position and options in early 2025. Community feedback received to date will be considered in this process.
• Further engagement on homelessness and the role social and affordable housing plays in our community will be undertaken as part of developing a broad Council position on this important matter.
• Anyone who provided feedback to us with their contact details will be contacted directly regarding the pause on the proposal.
• Community housing organisations and other key stakeholders will be invited to provide greater input.
• Details of the proposals will remain available through our website.

“We are committed to playing our part locally in addressing the housing crisis that is impacting all of Victoria,” Ms Weigall said.

“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders and keep them informed and involved.”

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