The Mornington Peninsula Shire has partnered with housing agencies YWCA Australia and Women's Property Initiatives (WPI) to deliver 17 dwellings in Mornington and Hastings for essential social housing for women and children.
The Mornington Peninsula is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the lack of housing availability and affordability, with women and children often being the hardest hit. Numbers registered for housing on the Victorian Housing Register continue to grow at an alarming rate and tragically, the Peninsula now has the highest proportion of rough sleepers of all local governments collecting information in Victoria.
Homelessness has become increasingly visible with too many people forced to sleep rough in their cars, camp on the foreshore or sleep in the sand dunes. This is compounded in our region by high numbers of short-term holiday rentals, increasing rents, a severe shortage of crisis housing, house and unit prices rising rapidly and high demand for limited funding and food relief support.
While the primary responsibility of the provision of social and affordable housing lies with the federal and state governments, council has continued to explore innovative ways to contribute to this urgent community need.
Through the provision and lease of five parcels of council own land (valued at more than $3M), and state government funding, the Shire's partners YWCA Australia and WPI can now develop the land with community housing for eligible tenants. Pleasingly, planning is well advanced to provide safe and secure housing for women and their children.
The housing and development component is funded by Homes Victoria under the Victorian Government's $6.3B Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh
"I'm so pleased to be able to announce and say thanks for this joint initiative following this month's Homelessness Week activities. The national theme of 'Homelessness Action Now' aligns strongly with the work already underway on the Peninsula.
"This is a great example of how a multi-agency and government partnership can deliver important tangible outcomes for our local community. There is much more to be done however, and we welcome ongoing investment and partners to address the urgent need."
Quote attributable to YWCA Australia Group CEO, Michelle Phillips
"As a national women's housing specialist, YWCA Australia is pleased to be working alongside Women's Property Initiatives and partnering with Mornington Peninsula Shire and Homes Vic to provide much needed housing supply for women.
"Our gender responsive design guidelines will inform the design and build of these homes, keeping the unique housing needs of women at the centre."
Quote attributable to WPI CEO, Roberta Buchanan
"We are looking forward to working with our partners to deliver much needed new homes on the Mornington Peninsula for women and children who are experiencing chronic housing insecurity. Secure, affordable and appropriate homes provide a foundation for happier and healthier lives."
