Hitting housing targets is not just a numbers game
Published on 22 August 2024
Hume City Council has challenged the Victorian Government to ensure its plan to deliver additional new homes in Broadmeadows sparks genuine community transformation, not just a rise in housing numbers.
For the plan to succeed, there must be a commitment to a genuine partnership from the Victorian Government.
Whilst Council welcomes additional homes and people, for Broadmeadows potential to be realised as a thriving activity centre, will require more than just bricks and mortar.
This requires local and state government to work together around enabling new homes and the delivery of infrastructure to support it.
The joint aim should be to improve liveability and local pride in the area - from a much-needed redevelopment of the Broadmeadows Train Station to attracting new investment and people to the area.
Earlier this month, Hume City Council brought together five Melbourne councils to call on the Victorian Government to progress their Activity Centre Plan as a genuine partnership, recognising the different perspectives and experiences the councils have in managing growth and change.
Hume City Council has expressed its disappointment that the plan has progressed without formal consultation with councils.
Last year, the Victorian Government set an ambitious target for the building of additional homes across 10 activity centres, including Broadmeadows, in the next 10 years.
As a group, Hume, Darebin, Kingston, Moonee Valley, and Whittlesea city councils have called for improved infrastructure coordination, buy in from Commonwealth Government and for the detail on new housing plans, before they are made public.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hume City Cr Naim Kurt:
"Housing affordability is the biggest challenge of our times, and Hume City Council is committed, alongside the Victorian Government, to addressing this through change, growth, and renewal in Broadmeadows.
“But before we see investment in houses in the air - more work needs to be done on the ground.
“Future growth needs to be in the right places, at the right time and with the right infrastructure.
“We know that there is a gap in housing stock across Hume and particularly in Broadmeadows, which is impacting housing affordability and we are pleased that the Victorian Government is moving to address this.
“As the level of government closest to the community, we believe our Council is best placed to provide an understanding of where that investment is needed that make the most difference to our residents’ lives.
“Moving forward, we want a commitment in this plan for growth to be matched with infrastructure commitments, open space and the provision of diverse housing options.
“We encourage our community to have their say on the plan.”