We will use your feedback to refine and update the Draft Position Statement on Social and Affordable Housing. The final Position Statement is expected to be presented to Council for adoption later in 2022.

Affordable housing is a broad term that refers to housing which is affordable for lower income households.

Income ranges for household groups are published annually by the Victorian Government and form part of the definition under the legislation. For example, for the 2021-2022 year, annual income thresholds for very low income households are defined as follows:

• single adult: up to $26,200,
• couples with no dependents: up to $39,290
• family and dependent children: up to $55,000.

Social housing is a component of affordable housing. It includes public housing (owned or managed by the Victorian Government) and community housing (owned or managed by a registered housing agency). Residents of social housing typically pay no more than 30 per cent of their income on housing costs.

Figures from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing show that just over 1,500 households were living in social housing in Brimbank. This represents 2.4 per cent of all households, lower than the proportion in Greater Melbourne (2.6%), Victoria (2.8%) and Australia (4.0%).

Research commissioned by Council estimates a shortfall of more than 4,000 social and affordable housing dwellings in Brimbank, with need highest amongst very low income households and single adult households (across all income groups).

Historically, local government has played a limited role in social and affordable housing. In Brimbank, this occurs principally through advocacy activities and negotiations for voluntary contributions on relevant planning permit applications and planning scheme amendments.

The Draft Position Statement identifies three core roles for Council: Advocate, Facilitator and Planner. These build on Council’s current practice and are well-established across the local government sector in Victoria. If circumstances permit, a discretionary ‘partner’ role may also be explored, subject to future Council priorities and external funding opportunities.

Each of these roles is supported by more detailed pathways that have been informed by research, stakeholder engagement, and Council’s current practice.

To guide Council’s efforts to encourage and support increased supply of social and affordable housing in Brimbank.

Subject to community and stakeholder feedback and Council adoption, it will provide the first dedicated Council position on social and affordable housing.

Annual implementation plans will be prepared outlining priority pathways, and will be informed by available resources, current priorities, and any emerging issues or opportunities.

Where additional resources are required, these will subject to Council’s annual budget processes and/or external funding opportunities.

The Big Housing Build is a $5.3 billion Victorian Government program, which aims to construct more than 12,000 social and affordable housing dwellings across Victoria by 2024.

Brimbank is identified as one of 21 priority local government areas within the program.

To streamline the implementation of the Big Housing Build, the Victorian Government has introduced changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions.

These changes apply to projects that are:

• funded through the Big Housing Build and carried out by or on behalf of the Director of Housing (Clause 52.20)
• by or on behalf of the Director of Housing (Clause 53.20)

Clause 52.20 (Victoria’s Big Housing Build)

Where Clause 52.20 applies, projects are exempt from normal planning scheme requirements and may not require a planning permit provided certain requirements are met. Rather, they are subject to the approval of the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change.

Prior to seeking approval from the Minister, there is an expectation that public consultation (including with Council) on relevant plans, documents and information will be completed and documented.

Clause 53.20 (Housing by or on behalf of the Director of Housing)

Where Clause 53.20 applies, the Minister for Energy, Environment, and Climate Change is the responsible authority for projects with ten or more dwellings and all apartment projects.

Council remains the responsible authority for projects with nine or fewer dwellings. In either case, projects are subject to a planning permit assessment, although they are exempt from third party notice and review rights.

Projects under Clause 53.20 are also exempt from most planning scheme provisions and are instead required to consider the development standards in Clause 53.20.