Members of the community rallied to address the housing affordability crisis in East Gippsland in Lakes Entrance last Wednesday at the Slipway Shed.
It was the first Housing Affordability Conversation and brought together 28 concerned community members, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of East Gippsland Shire, Crs Tom Crook and Jane Greacen OAM, to discuss the pressing issue of housing stress in East Gippsland.
“From younger people unable to see themselves ever owning a home, to older women worried about their housing security, housing stress is an increasing issue that affects us all,” one of the organisers of the event, Isaac Carne, said.
“This inaugural Housing Affordability Conversation marks the beginning of a community-led movement to tackle housing challenges in East Gippsland.
“The strong turnout and passionate engagement from participants highlights the urgency of the issue and the community’s commitment to finding solutions.”
Attendees heard first-hand accounts of the challenges faced by residents, including rising rents, lack of affordable options, and the unique housing needs of different demographics, from young families to seniors. Representatives from diverse organisations involved in housing provision, homelessness and health services shared insights on the current situation and potential solutions, emphasising the need for diverse housing models beyond traditional single-family homes.
Mr Carne said it was stated palpably that homelessness is a big issue in the East Gippsland Shire.
A representative from St Vincent de Paul brought to everyone’s attention that some people are sleeping in the public toilet blocks in Lakes Entrance.
KEY THEMES
The conversation moved into breakout sessions where participants identified key elements of a desirable place to live, including safety, security, affordability, community connection, access to services and employment and environmental sustainability. Discussions also highlighted the challenges faced by the community, such as the lack of affordable rentals, the need for more social housing and regulatory barriers to innovative housing solutions.
Participants brainstormed potential solutions, including rezoning land, repurposing existing buildings, simplifying planning processes, creating community land trusts, and exploring alternative housing models like tiny homes and co-housing. There was a strong emphasis on the need for collaboration between all levels of government, community organisations and individuals to address the crisis.
NEXT STEPS
The conversation sparked a range of ideas and proposals, which were distilled into actionable steps.
Key outcomes of the meeting include:
– Formation of an action group: A dedicated group will be established to maintain momentum and drive progress on the identified actions.
– East Gippsland Housing Conference: A potential conference aims to engage all sectors of the community – businesses, community groups, non-profits, churches, and government – in a collaborative effort to address the crisis.
– Messaging group for on-going communication: An online signal group will facilitate immediate communication and coordination among stakeholders.
– Comprehensive summary and further actions: A detailed summary of the conversation will be compiled and shared, paving the way for continued action.
Mr Carne and Sasha Kruse have volunteered as contact persons to spearhead ongoing efforts.
“While we were very pleased with the attendance of so many different sectors of our community, the success of the event indicates the gravity of the issue,” Mr Carne said.
“We are determined to continue this conversation to start taking action in the areas we identified as a priority, including better collaboration between community, local government and housing providers, alternative housing models, and tackling homelessness.”
To receive further updates, please contact Isaac Carne (details available at the Lakes Post office).
IMAGE: The first Housing Affordability Conversation brought together 28 concerned community members to the Slipway Sheds in Lakes Entrance last Wednesday to discuss he pressing issue of housing stress in East Gippsland.
