The Liberal Government is urging regional South Australians to have their say in shaping the future of housing in the state at a series of community forums this month.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the forums would give regional communities the opportunity to put forward their ideas about how to reform the housing system across the housing spectrum, from responding to homelessness to social and affordable housing.
The community's input will help shape the South Australia's new Housing and Homelessness Strategy, which will guide the state over the next decade.
"We face a range of complex housing challenges in South Australia and the current system is not working as well as it could be," said Minister Lensink.
"We need to change the way we do things and this needs to be done collaboratively across government, the non-for-profit sector, business and the community if we want to improve housing outcomes for South Australians."
The State Government is now engaging widely across the state, with the community and the housing and homelessness sector, to find shared solutions to the state's housing issues.
"We will be hosting a series of regional roundtables and welcome ideas and insights from people in our regions," said Minister Lensink.
"The strategy will be a long-term plan to reform the state's housing system. It will position us to better respond to current and future housing needs, so it is crucial people take this opportunity to have their say."
The Aboriginal Advisory Committee, formed in May to advise the South Australian Housing Trust board on housing challenges in the state's Aboriginal communities, is advising on this strategy, and a tailored Aboriginal Housing Strategy.
As well as attending regional roundtables, people can:
• Visit talkabout.housing.sa.gov.au or Yoursay.sa.gov.au
• Mail a submission to SA Housing Authority, GPO Box 1669, Adelaide, SA 5001
• Email [email protected].
Regional roundtable community drop ins between 4pm and 7pm:
• Kadina (York and Mid North) 12 August
Copper Coast Sport and Leisure Centre
• Port Augusta (Far North) 13 August
Central Oval Sporting Facility
• Whyalla (Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula) 14 August
The Foreshore Inn
• Berri (Murraylands and Riverland) 20 August
The Berri Hotel
• Nuriootpa (Barossa and surrounds) 21 August
Soldiers Memorial Hall, 46 Murray St.
• Mount Barker (Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and KI) 22 August
Cornerstone Wetlands Conference Centre, 68 Adelaide Rd.
• Naracoorte (Limestone Coast) 26 August Gordon Conference Rooms 85-87 Gordon St
For more information about the Housing and Homelessness Strategy, visit www.talkabout.housing.sa.gov.au
