Some of the most important decisions we make at Council are the ones that reflect what people in our community are experiencing every day.

At the March 17 Council Meeting, we adopted our Homes for Everyone position paper – an important step in how we respond to housing challenges across East Gippsland.

In simple terms, this position paper sets out how Council will approach this issue, who we’ll work with, and where we’ll focus our efforts. But it is much more than a document; it’s about people, and the realities many are facing right now.

Housing affordability affects people across all ages and stages of life in our community – families, workers, older residents and younger people. This position paper acknowledges those realities and sends a clear message that Council understands the challenges and is committed to being part of the solution.

These experiences are not always visible, but they are part of everyday life for many in our community. Housing plays such an important role in people’s wellbeing. It provides stability, connection and a sense of security. Without that, it becomes much harder to maintain health, employment and community connections.

The Homes for Everyone position paper recognises the scale and the urgency of housing affordability issues in East Gippsland and brings together the work we are already doing and sets out a clear and considered direction for the role we can play.

As explained by Deputy Mayor Cr Tom Crook during the meeting, the strength of this position paper is that it's honest. It clearly states that housing delivery and specialist housing on homeless services are not core functions of local government. It doesn't overpromise. It doesn't blur the lines of responsibility. Instead, it clearly defines council's role as a leader, as a partner, and an advocate.

Meaningful progress depends on strong partnerships with State and Federal Government, how we work alongside agencies, housing providers and community organisations, and how we advocate using an evidence-based position for what East Gippslanders need. It’s also about how we use Council land, owned by the community, supporting well-planned development and exploring opportunities and investment.

It also means listening.

The East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation Group has played a vital role in keeping this issue visible and meaningful. The work of this group, and others, to continue to champion this cause with passion and persistence really matters. This work demonstrates what's possible when council and community work together with a shared purpose.

All Councillors have invested heavily in the development of this position paper, and we agree that it provides a clear, responsible and community focused position and that it strengthens our ability to advocate for real outcomes.

‍