Homelessness awareness

FOLLOWING the homelessness week last month, Housing Matters Bass Coast (HMBC) are continuing to advocate for more affordable housing, and solutions for those experiencing homelessness. 

Raising awareness creates action and as a result of the event at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House where the open letter to Jordan Crugnale, MP for Bass was on display for signatures – some signing ‘no address’ - this petition gained traction from the community with too many suffering from financial hardship during the cost-of-living crisis.

Beth Banks of HMBC put forward the open letter to Bass MP Jordan Crugnale on Tuesday, September 5 in the attempt to get action from the Minister for Housing, The Hon. Colin Brooks MP. 

Jordan said she will continue to raise the matter in parliament and address the minister for housing with the letter, in hope to have a round table meeting in Bass Coast to aid a solution to the problem. 

Jessica Harrison of HMBC accentuates that homelessness in Victoria has reached a crisis point and housing affordability continues to decline, with many people, for many different reasons, at different times of their lives, need housing support. 

The open letter demanded action from state government, requested to treble the current level of public and community housing stock over the next 10 years - this means adding to the existing 374 dwelling in Bass Coast by at least 112 new dwellings per year. Reduce the rental stress by delivering more stability – long term for tenants and amend state planning legislation to allow for more public and community housing. 

Beth extenuates that when referring to ‘housing stress’, this means someone paying over 30 per cent of income on rent.

“I want to thank Jordan for her ongoing support on this issue and hope to keep the 
matter at the forefront to find a resolution,” said Beth. 

“We know there’s no more important an issue anywhere in the state right now than housing – I hear it from services, agencies, community members, local organisations, and advocacy groups like Housing Matters.

“We are working on a housing package and our government will have more to say in due course. Also, ahead of our Housing Statement to be released later this year, we will provide a new $1 
billion Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 1,300 new homes across regional Victoria and I want to make sure Bass Coast and South Gippsland get a very good share – the need is certainly here!” said Jordan. 

Jordan confirmed the state government are delivering social and affordable housing across the state and here in Bass Coast through the nation leading $5.3B Big Housing Build. 

“I encourage builders, developers, community housing providers to have conversations with Housing Victoria and join the partnership through the various programs as part of this package. 

“Most recently we have partnered with Mind Australia and Haven Foundation to build 12 units in Wonthaggi, and we are progressing projects with our $25million (minimum) allocation with 30 homes underway, seven completed and 125 jobs created.” 

“I have also asked the housing minister formally in the Parliament to come to Bass Coast to meet with representatives and this I expect will be in the next month or so. In the interim I will inform the

Minister about this petition and points raised by Housing Matters.” Jordan said. 

The state government also announced a $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund which Jordan wants to see investment here in the local area.