The City of Melbourne has taken a great leap forward in its quest to improve housing access and affordability, with the announcement of an inaugural CEO for the new Homes Melbourne entity.
Following an extensive recruitment process, Vijaya Vaidyanath will be joining the City of Melbourne Executive from the City of Yarra, where she has been CEO for almost a decade.
Prior to the City of Yarra, Vaidyanath held CEO positions with two New Zealand Local Governments.
The recently established Homes Melbourne is designed to deliver on the City of Melbourne’s commitment to improve housing access and affordability.
Figures released by SGS Economics in 2019 identified there is a shortfall of 5,500 affordable homes for key workers in the City of Melbourne at present, and without action this is expected grow to 23,200 by 2036.
“The Homes Melbourne team will work collaboratively with Homes Victoria, community housing providers, support services and the property sector,” Mr Hanney said.
“Vijaya and her team will be resourced and supported to deliver housing development on City of Melbourne land and under utilised properties, as we look to address the shortfall in key worker and affordable housing.”
Vaidyanath said she was excited to join the City of Melbourne team to tackle an incredibly complex issue.
“Our actions, and the actions of our partners in this space will help to create a more equitable society – one that does not separate the haves from the have nots,” Ms Vaidyanath said.
Today’s announcement follows the launch of Council’s Make Room initiative, which will provide up to 50 short-term accommodation beds and critical support services for people rough sleeping in Melbourne CBD.
“Vijaya is an exceptional CEO and we look forward to Vijaya joining the City of Melbourne team,” Mr Hanney said.
