By Lauren Henry

Residents have the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of housing in the Horsham municipality.

The Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy will provide Horsham Rural City Council with a framework for managing growth and the region’s housing needs across the next 15 years.

The strategy identifies a population growth of 1800 residents for the Horsham municipality by 2041, creating a demand of an extra 1476 homes.

It also reports that an extra 650 social and affordable housing units would be needed by 2041, with 70 households experiencing homelessness, and 1040 households experiencing rental stress. 

There is an estimated 38 years of land supply available for housing development across the municipality, equivalent to more than 2800 dwellings, including 1786 dwellings at Horsham, 489 at Haven; 280 at Natimuk and 284 across other areas.

The strategy looks at how to manage demand for housing, the need for a diverse range of housing types and affordability issues.

It also takes into consideration cultural heritage and neighbourhood character, in the context of population and housing projections, and assessment of existing residential land supply.

The council noted the strategy report and discussion paper at its meeting last week.

Cr David Bowe said it was essential to consider the necessary infrastructure and services to effectively support new homes.

“We feel a critical need for more diverse and affordable housing as our population spans and diversifies,” he said.

“Although Horsham has experienced steady growth, our housing stock has not kept up pace, particularly in terms of affordability and variety.

“Affordable housing is merely not a convenience, it is a fundamental necessity that supports social and economic well-being. 

“By participating in community consultation, you are helping to build a community that values its people at every stage of their lives.”

Cr Les Power said the strategy would also benefit smaller towns such as Natimuk, Jung, Pimpinio and Laharum.

“Housing is very, very important, but also we must look at the other side of it, too,” he said.

“Where there’s housing and so forth, we need builders, we need contractors, we need other people within the service industries to make this a possibility, so by us getting bigger and better, we will encourage people to come here and work and live in Horsham and the surrounding areas.”
Cr Ian Ross said it was important where affordable housing was located in the community.

“It’s important to not suppress it in one location, which can cause gentrification, so I really request the community respond to the feedback, ensure there is sound and good town planning, and affordable housing is spread throughout all our suburbs,” he said.

Cr Penny Flynn outlined what the strategy set out to achieve, including setting a vision for future housing; identifying the role that each town could play in accommodating future growth; and identifying preferred staging for growth to assist with investment prioritisation.

It will also provide policy support for the increased supply of diverse and affordable housing and suggest appropriate locations; and identify opportunities for council to advocate to and partner with key stakeholders to achieve objectives.

“We also need to know what the strategy won’t do – overcome all market barriers to the supply of housing, for example, the feasibility of certain types of housing; compel landowners to sell or develop land identified for housing growth; and provide detailed guidance regarding built form outcomes,” she said.

The documents are now available for community feedback until June 16.

For more information, visit haveyoursay.hrcc.vic.gov.au/horsham-and-natimuk-housing-strategy. 

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