East Gippsland Shire Council has taken a positive step towards addressing the region’s deepening housing crisis, passing a motion to explore the potential of tiny homes as part of a wider solution to housing affordability.
This motion acknowledges the increasing levels of housing stress felt by residents across East Gippsland and seeks to examine how tiny homes could provide more affordable and diverse housing options.
The motion, passed unanimously on September 10 prior to council going into caretaker mode ahead of the upcoming local government elections, calls for a comprehensive report to be produced by council officers, assessing the benefits, impediments and potential changes to local laws and planning schemes that would enable the uptake of tiny homes, particularly tiny homes on wheels.
It includes a particular focus on removing regulatory barriers and facilitating new housing options for those most impacted by the housing crisis.
Mayor Cr Tom Crook, who has been a regular attendee of the East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation, emphasised the urgent need for action.
“Having safe, stable, and appropriate housing is the foundation for a functional life,” he said.
“But we know that more adults and children are rough sleeping, couch surfing, in crisis accommodation, or in precarious housing arrangements than ever before. Local government has an important role in creating and maintaining the right environment to end homelessness.”
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Councillor Kirsten Van Diggelle echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of housing diversity.
“Beyond just supporting housing stress and affordability, it’s about having different options for people who might be ageing or just don’t want a big house,” she said.
“If you look at rentals or houses to buy, they’re generally three bedrooms, two bathrooms at minimum.”
This motion builds on the momentum created by the East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation, a grassroots initiative focused on finding local solutions to the housing crisis.
The group has been meeting regularly since early 2024 and includes local residents, advocacy groups, and policymakers, including Cr Crook.
These discussions have brought much-needed attention to the issue of housing affordability, influencing local government actions such as the recent motion on tiny homes.
As council elections approach, the issue of housing affordability continues to dominate the local political agenda.
With so many in East Gippsland struggling to secure safe and affordable housing, the next council will be expected to prioritise this issue and build on the work already done. The Housing Affordability Conversation group remains committed to driving this issue forward, ensuring that all candidates and future councillors recognise the urgency of the housing crisis.
Isaac Carné, coordinator of the East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation, stressed the need for ongoing action.
“The recent motion is an important step forward, but there’s still much more to do,” he said.
“The future council must continue to prioritise housing affordability, explore diverse housing solutions, and listen to the voices of our community. We need leadership that will be bold in tackling this crisis head-on.
“With homelessness rising, and a clear public mandate for change, the East Gippsland community is looking to its leaders to provide solutions. The introduction of tiny homes is just one part of a larger plan needed to address the multifaceted housing challenges faced by the region.”
