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.
We are encouraging you to provide feedback by answering the questions presented in the Discussion Paper during the community consultation period between 23 April and 16 June 2024.
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 has been prepared and Council is seeking your ideas, feedback and lived experiences related to finding or delivering housing in Horsham. This will help us to develop our draft housing strategy and understand what matters most to you.
Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy Discussion Paper
You can make a submission by any of the ways described below or you can contact Strategic.Planning@hrcc.vic.gov.au to make an appointment to speak to a Council officer.
Webinar
Attend a webinar on Tuesday 14 May, from 6pm-7pm. You will be able to access the webinar from our webpage.
Drop-in sessions
- Horsham Civic Centre
4.30pm - 6.30pm, Thursday 16 May - NC2 Former Natimuk Shire Office
4.30pm - 6.30pm, Friday 17 May - Haven Hall
12noon - 2pm, Friday 17 May - Horsham Library Mibus Centre
10am - 1pm, Saturday, 18 May
How to provide feedback
1. Provide responses via our online form (includes Submitter details form)
OR
2. Download and print the Discussion Paper as well as the Submitter details form and provide written responses (must be very clearly written, capitals are preferred)
OR
3. You can pick up a printed version of the Discussion Paper and Submitter details form from the Horsham Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Ave, Horsham during business hours. If you’d like to pick up multiple copies for friends, family, colleagues or others, please email us at Strategic.Planning@hrcc.vic.gov.au or phone us on 03 5382 9777 so that we can make arrangements and have them ready for you.
Returning your submission:
Complete the Online Form (no further steps required)
OR
Email to: Strategic.Planning@hrcc.vic.gov.au
OR
Post to PO Box 511 HORSHAM VIC 3402
OR
Drop in to the Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Ave, Horsham.
If the Submitter details form is not provided, your feedback will still be considered, as an anonymous submission, however as we will not have your details, you will not be kept informed about the process or receive project updates.
Privacy
Your name and contact details are required in order for us to provide you with project updates. Contact details will not be published but your feedback will be used to inform the development of the housing strategy and may be quoted or replicated in reports or provided to project consultants.
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.
