SWAN Hill Council has invited Premier Jacinta Allan to visit the region to get a firsthand insight into the unique housing challenges.
It comes after Ms Allan warned local councils that if they don’t meet “clear” housing targets over the next 30 years, they would lose their planning powers.
Ms Allan and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny last week announced the final council housing capacity targets.
“The government has met with every Victorian council to understand their plans and the barriers they face in unlocking the capacity – and has worked with councils to help shape the final targets to ensure they are accurate, fair and achievable,” the government said in a statement.
“Victoria needs 2.24 million new homes by 2051 to preserve the dream of homeownership for young people and workers, and to make sure there’s enough rentals for those who need them.”
The government said the statewide target projects 25 per cent of homes would be in regional Victoria by 2051.
“It’s up to councils to work together with government and industry to unlock this capacity in a way that’s right for the community,” the government said.
“But if councils have no interest in doing so, there will be consequences.
“Plans for Victoria will contain a declaration that government will hold councils accountable with explicit directions to change planning schemes if they are not providing enough housing capacity – and, if required, the government will step in to update planning schemes.
“It means that if councils don’t start doing the planning work now to meet these targets, the government will intervene and unlock space for more homes – including through rezoning.”
Swan Hill Council director of development and planning Michelle Grainger said the council was committed to addressing the housing targets set by the government. “Council has demonstrated a strong commitment through initiatives like our Housing Action: Greater Swan Hill committee, which unites stakeholders from various sectors to tackle local housing challenges,” Ms Grainger said.
“However, we believe the State Government has a key role to play in unlocking solutions such as making unused state-owned land available for development.
“Council has shown a willingness to work with the State Government to achieve better housing outcomes and will continue to advocate for solutions that work in a regional setting.”
The council has set its own target of building 500 homes during the next five years.
“At present around 60-70 homes are built each year in the municipality and this is not addressing the current shortfall, let alone building houses for people to move here to work and live,” the council said.
“Council has consistently advocated for greater flexibility and funding to support regional housing growth, including fast-tracking the development of vacant state-owned land, such as the unused school site in Robinvale.”
Ms Grainger said the council was “encouraged” that the final target for the municipality had increased from 1500 to 2100 homes to be built by 2051.
“There are multiple barriers in a regional setting, including a limited workforce and high infrastructure costs,” she said.
“Ideally, the State Government could incentivise development to attract builders and developers to our region.”
Asked about the Premier’s ultimatum, Ms Grainger said the council “acknowledges the urgency of the housing crisis and is actively working to meet the targets”.
“However, we urge the State Government to show flexibility in demonstrating its commitment to these targets,” she said.
“The planning scheme is only one component of a wider system.
“Regional areas face additional challenges such as workforce shortages and infrastructure constraints.
“Council continues to seek meaningful collaboration … to unlock more housing opportunities and accelerate development.”
Ms Grainger said the council had commenced planning to meet the targets.
“Since setting our own ambitious target, we have worked closely with industry stakeholders and government agencies to facilitate housing development,” she said.
“However, addressing housing shortages requires more than just planning – it demands investment.
“We appreciate the $5 million allocated by the State Government to addressing key worker accommodation, but this is not a simple solution, and more support is needed.
“We invite the Premier to visit our region to gain a firsthand insight into the unique challenges our municipality faces.
“We believe that a direct funding commitment to regional councils, like ours, would lead to better outcomes than a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Ms Grainger said the council was working to streamline the planning process and support housing development.
“However, planning reforms alone will not address the regional housing crisis,” she said.
“Unlocking unused state-owned land and funding and constructing infrastructure such as sewer, water, drainage and roads will provide a ready supply of affordable land.
“Authorities, other than council, need to be engaged and supported to facilitate land supply and housing outcomes.”
