Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy

Background

On 26 June 2021, Council resolved to prepare a Housing Strategy to address Horsham’s housing pressures in terms of the availability of diverse and affordable housing.

On 7 October 2022, Council was successful in obtaining a State Government grant to help fund the preparation of the Housing Strategy.

Why a Housing Strategy?

The current housing crisis affects all Australians and our region is no exception. Council has a responsibility to ensure that our Horsham Planning Scheme provides adequate residential land supply (land that is zoned appropriately for housing) and facilitate sustainable development to ensure existing and future residents have access to safe, comfortable, well-located housing.

Housing that is well planned, in proximity to services, workplaces and schools will promote liveability, housing affordability, sustainability and future proof accessibility.

To address the challenges of meeting our region’s housing needs, the Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy (HNHDAS) will be a 15+ year plan to manage demand for housing in a manner that respects our unique values, as well as established neighbourhood character.

The project will provide:

• Population and housing projections to inform estimates of future residential land requirements.
• An assessment of the existing supply of residential land.
• An assessment of suitable locations for future growth and appropriate locations for infill development.
• Identified opportunities to increase the amount and type of affordable housing, including identifying specific sites and types of development, delivery mechanisms and key stakeholders.
• Guidance on accommodating projected growth, including the establishment of a clear settlement hierarchy specifying township roles and long-term township boundaries.

Background Report

The Draft Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy Background Report has been prepared to present the findings of investigative work undertaken to date. It includes:

• an overview of the policy context
• population and housing trends analysis
• a housing demand and capacity assessment
• a social and affordable housing needs analysis
• built form analysis

Discussion Paper

A Discussion Paper was prepared as part of a first round of consultation undertaken between Tuesday 23 April and Friday 21 June 2024. Council sought feedback on key findings of the Background Report, strategic directions, ideas and experiences for the community and key stakeholders during this project.

Council are currently reviewing these submissions.

Webinar

A webinar was held on Tuesday 14 May.

Explore the Housing Story for Horsham Rural City

Horsham Rural City Council now has access to Community housing.id monitor.

Housing.id is a dedicated online resource tailored to individual Local Government Areas (LGAs) to assist in shaping and providing information on the community's housing requirements, as well as keeping track of advancements in alignment with strategic planning objectives.

Housing.id also assists Council in making informed evidence-based decisions and these decisions play an important role in delivering affordable and appropriate housing options for our community. Please click the button below to explore.

Horsham Housing.id