PERSONAL stories of homelessness and a discussion of policy and planning options around affordable housing will be the focus of the second forum on homelessness presented by Peninsula Voice.
Mornington Community Information and Support Centre CEO Ben Smith said the forum would aim to shift the housing agenda to the Mornington Peninsula and provide an advocacy platform around homelessness and housing affordability in the lead up to this month’s state election.
The forum will discuss the factors contributing to a lack of affordable housing, including the impact of the short-term rental market, the rapid increase in property values, the impact of planning policies and the political landscape required to make meaningful and long-term change.
“Housing unaffordability has a massive impact on our entire community, being forced to move or having insecure housing is a major driver of family violence, in fact, three-quarters of those suffering physical violence while precariously housed are still trying to escape into stable housing a year later,” Smith said.
“This has a large impact on their wellbeing and sense of safety – and remember, there are children involved here. The issue of housing affordability is neither new nor restricted to the peninsula. It’s also capturing an increasing number of people who are on low incomes, including many who had always aspired to home ownership.”
“When our community understands the drivers behind the housing affordability crisis and how broadly this is impacting us, we can then work together on local solutions,” Smith said.
He said the average rental on the peninsula had increased by 31 per cent in the past 12 months and tenants are near “breaking point”.
“This causes significant pressure on health services, education and learning outcomes, and negative economic impacts due to local staff moving away from the area.
“The time has come for an open and honest conversation as a community to address systemic issues affecting the Mornington Peninsula. In the shadows of the state election, policies which seek to reduce stress are more important now than ever.”
This forum is jointly run by Peninsula Voice, Anglicare Victoria, Mornington Community Information and Support Centre and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
It will be start at 6.30pm on 8 November at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Road, Mornington.
Register at events.humanitix.com/peninsula-voice-forum-housing-affordability-on-the-mornington-peninsula
First published in the Mornington News – 1 November 2022
