Housing response left wanting for Peninsula

Breaking News: 'Levy takes from Peninsula, to give elsewhere' - MP News - 05 November 2024

Mornington Peninsula Shire is ranked the second-worst metropolitan local government for homelessness and those sleeping rough – but is ranked in the bottom four metropolitan councils in the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build.

These details were revealed in a letter from Homes Victoria who responded to the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula’s letter on the short-stay levy which comes into effect from January next year.

The Committee put questions to Homes Victoria on where the revenue raised from the tax will be invested because we believe this is a critical issue given the Mornington Peninsula Shire is home to a significant supply of short stay accommodation – including 5,000 airbnbs.

Our region also boasts 8 million visitors a year and a $1.1 billion local visitor economy.

Homes Victoria stated funds raised from the tax will be invested in housing in areas driven by ‘demand data’ and ‘asset condition need’.

The Committee expects that Homes Victoria will acknowledge that the Mornington Peninsula Shire is experiencing a housing crisis and is unable to access any funds allocated for regional Victoria given the Shire’s designation as part of metropolitan Melbourne.

The letter from Homes Victoria also details the amount of funds spent to date in the Shire from the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund.

Of the $6.3 billion delivered across these two funds, just $10 million has been spent in the Mornington Peninsula Shire. This equates to just 0.15% of the Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund to date.

In the City of Frankston, $48 million has been delivered under the two landmark programs.

However, the City of Greater Geelong – a comparable region in both population and economic output – has received $214.5 million from the flagship housing programs. That’s $204.5 million more than the Shire in the same period, and $156.5 million more than Frankston City and Mornington Peninsula Shire combined.

In metropolitan Melbourne, only Yarra Ranges Council, Nillumbik Shire, and Manningham Council received less investment than Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Housing was identified as the number one issue by our members at the Committee’s Future Forum held in April.

Our region has more than 40% of renters living in rental stress, a severe lack of accommodation for our workforce; major shortage of social and affordable housing; and the unwanted reputation of being the fourth worst local government area for homelessness in the State (second worst in metropolitan Melbourne).

The Committee will continue to advocate with both levels of government and both sides of politics for more support and investment in housing and accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula.

We can and must do better when it comes to getting the support and critical investment we need for housing.

Comments attributable to Josh Sinclair, CEO Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula.

“Just $10 million from Victoria’s $6.3 billion Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund has been spent in Mornington Peninsula Shire.”

“That’s 0.15% from a major housing initiative delivered to a local government which is currently ranked the second worst for homelessness and those sleeping rough in metropolitan Melbourne.”

“It’s difficult to think of any other region in Victoria that has significant housing issues like ours but with so little support and investment from government to address them.”