Draft Maroondah Affordable and Social Housing Policy

Affordable and social housing is a growing issue, not just for Maroondah, but across Victoria. Changes in the housing market and an increased demand for affordable housing in Maroondah are two key issues impacting the supply of affordable and social housing. Many households within Maroondah are struggling to meet rent and mortgage repayments and find accommodation.

Policy development

The Maroondah Housing Strategy developed in 2016 found that the pressures of affordable and accessible housing impact the community, developers and service providers. In response, Council has developed a new municipal-wide policy to tackle key affordable and social housing issues in Maroondah.

In preparing this draft Policy, Council undertook extensive research and engaged with key community leaders and service providers to identify the appropriate policy directions to be considered for inclusion in the Policy.

The Policy highlights Maroondah’s current affordable and social housing situation, and identifies Council’s strategic response in addressing the issue.

Draft Policy

The Draft Affordable and Social Housing Policy sets out the strategic framework and role of Council in addressing these issues.

The four focus areas Council will prioritise are:

• facilitate effective planning direction and innovative support
• play a key facilitation and brokerage role to support the delivery of increased affordable and social housing in Maroondah
• work in partnership to advocate for increased investment and support for affordable and social housing
• apply a proactive approach to encourage greater investment and supply of social and affordable housing.