Council Takes Action on Key Worker Housing Crisis

Published on 08 March 2024

Nine applications for funding to deliver key worker housing in Mansfield Shire have been submitted to Regional Development Victoria. These projects, if successful, will create more than 400 new housing options.

A large portion of the applications were the outcome of a workshop Mansfield Shire Council held with property developers to specifically address the key worker housing shortage in the region. The workshop, which took place in December last year, considered the issues of housing for key workers as the Shire grows.

The population of Mansfield Shire is expected to increase its population by fifty percent over the next 20 years, from 10,540 to 16,144 people. To keep up with demand, 115 dwellings per year would need to be built, instead of the current 94 dwellings per year.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said that the nine applications submitted offered promise for the future of housing and liveability in Mansfield Shire.

“These projects offer innovative solutions to the housing shortage. If these projects are successful, we would be able to host the nurses, teachers and other key staff we need for our community,” said Cr Rabie.

“There is huge demand to live in this wonderful part of the world. We need smart solutions and we need to work together to keep up with the demand - while maintaining what makes Mansfield Shire a beautiful place to live.

“We are excited by the potential for these projects to make a real difference in our community. By addressing the cost of living for key workers, we enhance the economy of our whole community.

“The work Council is doing in this space demonstrates our commitment to more affordable housing. By bringing key players in the housing market together, we took a significant step toward a better economic future.”

For more information about Mansfield Shire Council’s future growth, go to https://forecast.id.com.au/mansfield

ENDS