A survey on housing affordability in Ballarat will collect data for a research project investigating how rising rental and house prices are affecting people in the community and how to address the issue.
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Buninyong MP Michaela Settle has opened a community and stakeholder survey to better understand housing affordability in the Ballarat region.
A policy intern from Monash University based out of Ms Settle's office will write a policy research paper on housing affordability in the Ballarat region, with the project hosted by the Parliamentary Library in Victoria.
There is always more we can do
- Michaela Settle, Buninyong MP
Ms Settle said data showed there had been a 10 per cent increase in rent prices across Ballarat in the past year.
"Housing affordability affects everyone, and I want to make sure the Victorian Government is helping where it counts," she said in a statement.
"I'm asking people to participate in a research project to help identify where housing affordability issues are and how it's affecting our community; I'm also looking for ideas on how we can fix it."
The survey comes after the Victorian Government announced $80 million to build new social housing in Ballarat, $20 million in Moorabool and $15 million in Golden Plains over the next four years.
There was a $5.3 billion investment made to build 2300 affordable homes for first home buyers and renters and more than 9300 new social housing dwellings across the state as part of the Big Housing Build.
"This will help provide more affordable housing but there is always more we can do," Ms Settle said.
There were more than 49,600 applicants on the social housing register in Victoria in December 2020, compared to about 44,300 in December 2019.
Data analysis by the Council To Homeless Persons shows people on low incomes in Ballarat are spending more than half of their income on rent.
Rental Tenancies and Authorities Record data shows the biggest issue is with one bedroom properties in Ballarat, with only five considered affordable in December 2020, 8.6 per cent of all one bedroom properties.
Welfare agencies have raised concerns about the reduction in the JobSeeker payment from the previous coronavirus rate, pushing more people into housing stress.
Real estate agents have reported quick house sales with high demand for properties in Ballarat, with growing interest from Melbourne buyers.
There is widespread expectation the experience of lockdowns throughout the coronavirus pandemic will drive more people to move to the regions long-term.
A Regional Australia Institute campaign Move to More is encouraging city dwellers to move to the regions.
Visit bit.ly/3dBOGWG to participate in the housing affordability survey.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
