The City of Greater Bendigo’s new Affordable Housing Action Plan 2026-2028 outlines a range of actions addressing the need for more affordable and social housing, while also challenging the stigma around homelessness, rough sleeping, and housing stress in the community.
The two-year plan complements the City’s Managed Growth Strategy to support denser and more diverse housing options primarily in urbans areas. The Managed Growth Strategy also identifies additional growth areas for greenfield development.
Adopted at Council last night, the Affordable Housing Action Plan 2026-2028 has been informed by public consultation and engagement with key stakeholders. The plan includes three flagship projects together with a range of actions to support people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
The Plan includes three flagship projects:
- Partnering in a Housing Australia Future Fund bid working with Registered Housing Providers, youth, health, and community wellbeing organisations with a focus on:
- Delivering higher-density homes on unused Council land
- Developing housing that achieves platinum rating (wheelchair accessible)
- People at high risk of homelessness
- Making building small homes easier:
- Encouraging small secondary dwellings often referred to as granny flats on existing house blocks (including accessibility for small dwellings)
- Providing practical planning advice and reducing or waiving planning permit fees not already exempted
- Investigate changes to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme to encourage affordable housing such as encouraging apartment developments in the city centre
- Trialling more flexible rules for Tiny Houses on Wheels and caravans to provide more low-cost options
- Improving community narratives around homelessness in our community:
- The City will be one of only eight Victorian councils participating in STAND, an international initiative led in Australia by the Municipal Association of Victoria. The 12-month initiative aims to reduce stigma and change negative narratives about homelessness
- Advocate to the Victorian and Australian governments for adequate levels of social housing
- Advocate for ongoing funding for homelessness prevention services and related activities, and crisis housing in Greater Bendigo
- Partnering with local services to provide wrap-around support, including housing, health and social services and provide guidance on safe refuge areas for homeless people
Greater Bendigo is growing with 40,000 more people expected to live in the region by 2046. Different types of houses are needed to meet community needs including family homes, smaller houses, apartments, and flexible living options.
Demand far exceeds the amount of social housing currently available. As homelessness and housing insecurity increase, a wide range of people are having trouble finding housing, often for the first time.
More than 800 people are homeless or at risk, and over 2,400 people are using homelessness services. Older women are one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the plan focuses on practical actions.
“Affordability and availability of housing is an issue of national significance and high local importance in the community,” Cr Prince said.
“By working in partnership with government agencies, industry and community services, we can take meaningful steps toward improving housing levels in the region, supporting vulnerable people and building a stronger, more inclusive Greater Bendigo.”
