In an initiative more than six months in the making, a group of East Gippsland residents has come together to launch the Housing Affordability Pledge, aimed at gathering support to make housing affordability a front and centre issue for East Gippsland Shire Council this term.
The campaign highlights both the personal impact of housing insecurity, and the vital role local government can play in ensuring everyone has a safe and stable place to call home, now and in the future.
“Many years ago, I experienced food insecurity and it was humiliating not knowing if I could adequately feed my family,” Cheryl, a local resident, said.
“I understand the helplessness of not knowing where the next meal will come from — imagine facing that without a secure place to live.”
According to Cheryl, housing and food insecurity don’t just affect individuals, they place entire communities at risk.
“When people are living in survival mode, they can’t plan for the future, support local businesses, or invest in their own wellbeing. We want East Gippsland to be a thriving community, but that requires stable and affordable homes for everyone,” she said.
GROWING MOMENTUM
Over the past six months members of the East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation have been meeting regularly to discuss solutions.
Yesterday they hosted a public gathering at The Slipway in Lakes Entrance to formally launch their petition, distribute packs to collect signatures, and engage the community in a conversation about upcoming social housing policy and tiny homes regulation council is developing.
Campaign participants Grace McCaughey and Loulou Gebbie, urge the community and council to act now.
“Housing is a human right,” Ms McCaughey said.
“Our petition calls on the East Gippsland Council to make housing affordability a top priority this term.
“We must remove barriers and adopt policies that foster diverse housing options — from co-housing to community land trusts and tiny house initiatives.”
Ms Gebbie agreed, adding: “As the cost of living continues to rise, and people have to choose between paying rent and buying food, it impacts the entire region.”
“We need to work together — local government, community groups, and individuals — to find solutions that provide secure housing options for everyone.”
THE PETITION’S CORE DEMANDS
The petition calls on the East Gippsland Shire Council to:
1. Provide current data: Keep the community informed by providing up-to-date statistics on housing stress and homelessness.
2. Review policies and laws: Identify and amend regulations that contribute to the housing crisis.
3. Facilitate diverse housing: Advocate for increased public and community housing while supporting innovative housing models.
4. Stand up for human rights: Recognise safe and affordable housing as essential infrastructure.
The group emphasises that local councils can drive change by:
– Coordinating with Federal and State Governments to provide more public, community, and affordable housing
– Advocating for mandatory inclusionary zoning
– Identifying land in the region suitable for the development of affordable and community housing
– Educating residents on the value of diverse housing options and the importance of ending homelessness
– Removing regulatory barriers that prevent the adoption of alternative housing types such as Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW)
– Providing services for low-income tenants, including those in caravan and residential parks, and
– Maintaining and sharing regular data on local housing issues.
CALL TO ACTION
Cheryl and the East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation urge people to sign the petition, stressing that each signature adds momentum to their cause.
“Your signature is the beginning of speaking up for those who are most vulnerable,” Cheryl said.
“Together, we can build a future where every family grows and thrives in the safety of a place to call home.”
