By Matthew Sims
Cardinia Council has taken out the Community & Integrated Planning Award at the LGPro Annual Conference for its work on its Social and Affordable Housing Strategy 2018-25.
Held on Wednesday 1 May, the award celebrated the achievements of the council in secured more than 18 lots and 22 dwellings since 2018, exceeding the initial goal of five social housing commitments.
Developed in response to the area’s rapid growth and the prevalence of housing stress, the strategy aimed to prioritise access to suitable and affordable housing.
LGPro is the member association and leading voice for people working in local government in Victoria, providing leadership, professional development, advocacy, and representation.
The comments in support of Cardinia Council’s win cited the collaboration between the Growth Area Planning, Subdividisions, and Health and Social Planning teams as a highlight of the council’s work, as well as proactive negotiation early in the permit application process making way for the transfer of properties to Community Housing Providers.
Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik said he was “thrilled and very proud” of the work each of the teams have put into the implementing the strategy and action plan.
“So much collaboration, engagement and negotiations happen in the background, and it is gratifying to see the teams and council recognised within the Local Government sector for their exceptional and innovative efforts,” he said.
“Receiving the 2024 LGPro Community and Integrated Planning Award is industry recognition of the hard work that has been done by council, its project partners, local developers, and the community to achieve best practice outcomes that will help us shape the future for affordable housing and improved access and inclusion within Cardinia Shire.
“This award reflects the dedication of everyone involved in creating a more inclusive and sustainable community.”
Cr Kowarzik said the award was a recognition of the council’s commitment to addressing housing stress in the community, which is complemented by the council’s 2017-29 Liveability Plan.
“Since its inception in 2018, Council’s Social and Affordable Housing Strategy has guided and enabled us to make a significant and positive difference for Cardinia Shire residents, and this important work continues,” he said.
“As a councillor and mayor, I feel privileged to have witnessed that through negotiations with local developers, council has secured 18 lots and 22 dwellings for the community housing sector, providing much needed, affordable homes to our residents.
“Since 2018 Council have facilitated the development of more than 138 new affordable homes.”
For more information on the strategy, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/directory_record/5027/social_and_affordable_housing_strategy_and_action_plan
