An Extract from The Yarra Valley Voice

Housing Crisis Puts  squeeze on 

Yarra Ranges

Families  in  the  Yarra Ranges  are  battling a  crippling shortage  of vacant  and  affordable rental  properties.  The  housing  situation  is so  bad  that  prospective  renters  are  now  forced into auction  type situations  paying far more than  the  advertised  rental price just to secure a home. In the Yarra Ranges 88% of private rental homes are now unaffordable for low income families.

The March Quarter 2010 Rental Report shows:

• The median  rent for a two-bedroom  flat is now $235 up

8.05%  on last year

• The median  rent for a three bedroom flat is now $330

up 10.00% on last year

• The median  rent for a four bedroom house is now $370

up 15.63% on last year

Shelter is one  of our most  basic  needs.  Without a home  we lack stability, certainty and a place to take refuge. Adding to the pain, the number  of people  on the  public housing  waiting list increased  by

1,013 in the March quarter to 39,794 families. This is a telltale sign that the current Minister for Housing has  dismally failed to deliver affordable housing.

Long  waiting periods  for public housing,  a  shortage  of affordable private rentals,  unsafe  rooming houses  and  under-funded  housing support  services  are  symptoms  of 11  years  of neglect  under  the current State Government.

MY COMMENT:  It's time to release more land in the Shire to make land less expensive.  Coldstream is well poised to increase in size!