Melbourne is facing a housing crisis, with many key workers residing in the City of Melbourne municipality being forced to commute long distances to work. In response to this issue, the City of Melbourne is planning to work with developers and community housing providers to maximize the use of available sites for affordable housing. The council aims to explore opportunities within the existing planning regulations while offering long-term peppercorn leases to make the projects financially viable. This initiative has received mixed reactions from local businesses and residents, with concerns raised about parking availability.
May Lim, the operator of a local patisserie near the Curzon Street car park, expressed worry about the impact of the housing plans on parking availability. In contrast, Rose Mitchell, a member of the City of Melbourne’s affordable housing panel and a resident of Docklands, emphasized the urgent need for housing solutions. Mitchell highlighted the stark reality of people living in their cars despite having jobs and stressed the importance of prioritizing affordable housing initiatives. She also pointed out that Australia is behind Europe in mandating a percentage of new housing developments to be affordable, signaling a need for greater attention to affordable housing in Australia.
The City of Melbourne’s budget will include a $1.5 million increase in funding for homelessness services, aimed at supporting organizations such as Launch Housing and the Salvation Army in providing essential services for those experiencing homelessness. Specialized support for youth homelessness will also be a focus, with Melbourne City Missions’ Frontyard Youth Services receiving additional resources. This financial boost reflects the council’s commitment to addressing homelessness and providing support for vulnerable populations in the city.
Overall, the City of Melbourne’s efforts to address the housing crisis and support vulnerable populations have been met with both concern and support from the community. While some residents worry about the potential impact on parking availability, others, like Rose Mitchell, recognize the urgent need for more affordable housing options. The proposed developments and increased funding for homelessness services demonstrate the council’s commitment to tackling these pressing issues and improving the quality of life for all residents in the municipality. The draft budget, set to be announced on Tuesday, will provide further details on the city’s plans and priorities for addressing the housing crisis and homelessness in Melbourne.
