The Victorian Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee visited Ararat last week, joined by Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong, as part of an inquiry into the supply of homes in regional Victoria.
A central aspect of the inquiry is the Committee's examination into how homes are built and the different kinds of housing options available across regional Victoria.
The inquiry also focuses on studying various housing problems, such as identifying areas with the greatest need, workforce challenges in the construction industry, and housing options for regional employees in important industries.
During their visit, the Committee briefly toured the Green Hill Lake Estate. They also met with local businesses and developers at Alexandra Oval Community Centre to discuss the impact of housing supply and affordability challenges on their operations.
The Green Hill Lake Estate development stands as a significant housing project initiative among several others aimed at addressing the housing crisis in rural Victoria.
A central goal within Council's Plan for growth across the municipality is to support innovative housing models that work to overcome market failure and create the capacity to increase the population of Ararat Rural City.
"The availability of housing is a critically important issue for Ararat Rural City. For many years, we have faced a persistent shortage of housing, which has impacted our communities, local industries, and businesses," says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong.
"We recognise the complexities of the rural Victorian housing crisis; however, we are taking proactive and innovative steps to overcome it."
