The hidden costs of affordable housing

KNOX housing groups are concerned about the location of affordable housing developments recently announced by the State Government.
Councillor Mick Van de Vreede said travel costs may outweigh the initial financial benefits of the low cost homes.
“The recent announcements may provide affordable housing from an initial purchasing perspective but the committees are concerned that such gains may be eroded by the extra costs associated with travelling to and from work and services if appropriate public transport and other facilities are not also provided,” he said.
Cr Van de Vreede, chairman of Knox Council’s Housing Advisory Committee and Affordable Housing Reference Group, said the committees welcomed the move to address ‘a crisis of affordable housing’.
However, he said growth and development needed to happen around activity centres and be supported by public transport infrastructure.
“The committees are concerned that the State Government’s latest effort to ease Melbourne’s housing affordability crisis doesn’t meet its own Melbourne 2030 guidelines for new housing to be matched with infrastructure and service provision,” he said.
“When people live close to public transport and shopping precincts, it reduces their car dependency and everyday expenses thereby increasing affordable living,” he said.