Integrated communities
You told us that for social housing to work, it must involve and be understood by the whole community.
Social housing should be mixed-tenure and integrated into communities
There is a need for high-quality housing and shared spaces that are well-integrated and are a source of pride. Submissions recommended mixed-tenure developments as well as a ‘salt and peppering’ approach to increase social diversity, and health and wellbeing of communities.
Social housing is frequently stigmatised
There is a need for communications campaigns and shareable material to raise awareness of the economic, social and cultural benefits of social and affordable housing to vulnerable groups and the wider community.
The size of the social housing sector is a barrier to addressing stigma
Responses often pointed to the positives of larger social housing sectors that are accessible to bigger proportions of the population.
“Community pride in their place of living is furthered when there is enough social, public and affordable housing for all. In contrast, when such housing is scarce social housing is allocated to those in highest needs… it then becomes marginal and stigmatised.” Community Information & Support Victoria, 2021, Submission
Strong, resilient communities
You told us to recognise the resilience of communities and find ways to support their strengths.
Recognise that current public housing estates are already vibrant, multicultural and dignified communities, which are well located and connected.
Communities need to be supported with security of tenure to encourage a sense of place and protect against community dysfunction.
Co-housing and deliberative development should be considered
Approaches such as co-housing and deliberative development(opens in a new window) emphasise community-building and could respond to social isolation and build networks with the broader community, while creating responsive and sustainable accommodation.
Sustainable, well-maintained housing
You told us that sustainability should be encouraged in all social housing, both old and new.
Environmentally sustainable design and energy efficient features should feature in all new housing
Submissions praised the commitment to at least 7-star NatHERS for new housing stock. Solar power, insulation, heating and cooling systems, and effective building materials can reduce the cost of living and protect people in social housing against extreme weather events.
The 10-Year Strategy should include a plan to retrofit, restore and maintain existing social housing stock
Submissions proposed a state-backed, large-scale retrofit program, to improve the thermal performance of existing social housing properties, build the capacity of the energy/building performance sector, generate new ‘green’ skills and jobs and improve health.
Accessible, adaptable and safe
You told us that housing must be adaptable and safe.
Housing should reflect differing needs and preferences
Flexible floorplans, minimum design standards and accessibility ratings for social housing properties all featured in recommendations. These design elements support both residents with physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities and older residents to live safely. They also contribute to a more adaptable and responsive housing system.
Safety should be considered holistically
Security of tenure, safety from neighbours or perpetrators, as well as design and environmental factors like night lighting, security cameras and smoke alarms must all be considered.
Communities: Top 7 Themes
Updated