Monday, October 29 at 5pm
Wodonga is a major centre within the Hume region, with a rapidly growing population, expected to reach almost 58,000 by 2036 and with an ultimate capacity of 100,000 people.
Wodonga offers a range of lifestyle and economic advantages, making it an attractive place for residents and business to locate, and will play an important role in accommodating forecast population growth in regional Victoria.
However, rapid growth and economic prosperity mean a number of challenges remain in ensuring Wodonga’s housing supply and stock meet the community’s evolving needs.
Housing is a fundamental human need, and central to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Access to appropriate and affordable housing, with a stock that caters for changing household needs over time, enables people in Wodonga to stay within the municipality, and will also play a significant role in attracting new residents and investment into the area.
Housing needs and supply are influenced by a range of factors including federal and state policy levers. However, as housing affordability decreases across the country, the need for leadership at all levels of government becomes more important. A Housing Strategy plays a critical role in articulating Wodonga Council’s approach to meeting the housing needs of the current and future Wodonga community.
The council wants to take a proactive lead in the development of a prosperous and liveable city with housing a key measure towards this goal. It is envisaged that a planning scheme amendment be prepared to implement the housing strategy outcomes.
Wodonga does not presently have a policy to guide housing planning and development across the municipality.
The Wodonga Housing Strategy provides a detailed overview of the land-use factors and current and projected trends in regards to housing diversity, affordability and sets the direction the council will take to continue to seek to influence and improve housing affordability and facilitate an increase in affordable housing.