Social and affordable housing
Key points
- Everyone deserves access to affordable housing. It is an important art of building liveable communities
- As our shire continues to grow rapidly over the next 20 years the local population and number of houses is expected to more than double by 2031.
- Local research shows that homelessness is a significant but sometimes hidden issue in our community.
- In response to this, Council has developed a 7-year Social and Affordable Housing Strategy, which outlines how we will work with local agencies towards increasing access to diverse, high quality, sustainable and affordable housing that is responsive to the needs of a growing and diverse community.
- You can sign up to register your interest in social and affordable housing and homelessness
Read the Social and Affordable Housing Policy summary Read our social housing fact sheet
Read the strategy and action plan Read the Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter
The shortage of affordable housing in Cardinia Shire
While Cardinia Shire may seem more affordable compared to other parts of Melbourne, a growing number of lower income and vulnerable residents don’t have access to housing that is affordable for their income level.
The private market is not delivering housing options for everyone. There is a shortage of smaller dwellings available for single and couple households, and a lack of appropriate housing for people with special needs.
Housing stress
Over 3,800 households across our community are living in ‘housing stress’: this means they are spending more than a third of their income on housing costs. This means they can’t always meet other costs of living such as transport, bills, food, education, and medical expenses.
To support these families, 7% of all housing in Cardinia Shire would need to be social and affordable housing, but currently it only makes up 0.9%, well below Melbourne averages. This has resulted in a 53% increase in the number of people sleeping rough across our local community over the past 5 years.
How much do you know about social and affordable housing?
Housing rights are human rights
Working in partnership to build solutions
Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter
In August 2020, Council endorsed the Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter.
The charter outlines a unified, local government response from 13 eastern and south-eastern councils across Melbourne to address the urgent need for increased social housing and a more effective, integrated and supported homelessness service system.
The social and affordable housing partnership group
Includes community members, Council staff and housing agencies working together to implement actions outlined in the Social and Affordable Housing Strategy.
Enquiries: Contact our Social Policy Officer on 1300 787 624.
Casey-Cardinia Homelessness Network
Provides an opportunity for housing support agencies and service providers to address the emerging issue of financial hardship and homelessness across the region.
To join or ask about the network: contact our Social Policy and Projects Officer on 1300 787 624
Working to reduce family violence
Family violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness in Cardinia Shire. Learn more about our work to stop, prevent and end family violence through the Together We Can initiative. Find out more about Together We Can
Supporting people experiencing homelessness
When we are notified that someone in our community is homeless or “sleeping rough”, we work in partnership with local support agencies to make sure they get the appropriate care and support.
If you or someone in our community is sleeping rough: Contact our Social and Community Planner on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Where to find help
We do not directly provide housing services. However, you can contact the following services directly:
Help with finding accommodation
- Contact WAYSS on (03) 9791 6111 or (03) 9703 0044
- Email: info@wayss.org.au
Services that provide financial support or free meals
Crisis and social support services
Discounts and services for eligible households in Victoria
If you're having difficulty paying your rates
Support for the families of young children
- Cardinia Shire’s supported playgroups give children of vulnerable families (aged up to 4) opportunities to play, while supporting parents and carers with referrals and professional assistance.
Stay updated
Add your contact details below to register your interest in social and affordable housing and homelessness.
Enquiries
Contact our Social Policy Officer on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au