Low-income earners in Bass Coast are grappling with escalating rents and an uncontrollable cost of living crisis.
In state parliament, The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath criticised the government’s flawed housing policy, highlighting a crisis driven by declining residential building approvals and a lack of affordable rental options.
Ms Bath expressed her concerns about renters facing financial stress and an increased risk of homelessness.
“There is an alarming shortage of affordable homes in Bass Coast and homelessness is rising with only 117 rental properties affordable for low-income earners.[1]
“Increasing rents, rising household bills, and a series of new and higher taxes have exacerbated the cost of living, making the need for more secure, stable and affordable housing urgent.”
Recently the Council to Homeless Person CEO Deborah Di Natalie said, “Victoria is desperately behind the rest of the country on public and community housing”.
Ms Bath labelled the government’s promise to build 80,000 affordable homes annually, a “farce”, highlighting that Victoria is now the worst state in Australia for affordable housing.
“Housing approvals in Bass Coast have sharply declined, with only 409 houses approved for construction in 2023 – that’s 275 fewer than the previous year.
“Labor must provide a plan of how many social and affordable homes will be constructed and delivered in Bass Coast this year.
“Rising rents and low vacancy rates as a result of Labor’s failed policies are pushing people towards homelessness.
“The Nationals are calling for immediate action to address rising homelessness and alleviate the rental crisis.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage housing and vulnerable people are paying the price.”
