Council
10 September, 2024
Support for 'big ideas' in housing
Council has "limited control over the delivery of housing and construction" and seeks Victorian Government intervention to subsidise and/or incentivise development, a submission by Horsham Rural City to the state says.
Council voted last week to endorse a document commenting on Victoria's next plan for growth and development statewide.
Director of communities and place Kevin O'Brien said responding to the government's draft plan was "an opportunity to present council's advocacy priorities, feedback on the 'big ideas' (and) commentary on the housing targets".
In its response, council said "financing development, construction labour and material costs" were the "most significant barrier to the delivery of housing targets in Horsham".
However, the submission highlighted that "over the past 10 years, Horsham has generally achieved 60-80 new dwellings per annum".
"Whilst there is some variation in the estimated growth and housing targets set for Horsham it is more important that housing diversity is addressed to ensure (having) a mix of dwelling types constructed in the locations close to services is prioritised," council wrote.
"Housing diversity has been identified as (a) major issue facing Horsham, with three-to-four-bedroom housing being the dominant housing type."