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Quantum Support Services in Morwell call out urgent action to increase social housing in Latrobe Valley

The visit to Quantum Support Services' Morwell youth residential building underscores the pressing need for more social and affordable housing in Latrobe Valley, calling for government intervention to address the crisis.

By news@gippsland - 7th June 2024 - Back to News

A visit to Quantum Support Services' youth residential building in Morwell has highlighted the urgent need for more social and affordable housing in the Latrobe Valley for The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath. The youth refuge, comprising six self-contained units, operates as a crisis facility that provides short-term emergency accommodation, information and support for young people at risk of homelessness.

Quantum Support Services' Morwell youth residence emphasises the critical need for increased social housing in Latrobe Valley, echoing urgent calls for action

Housing shortage crisis

Mr Cameron said, "Young people at the facility receive fantastic wraparound support from staff and complete an action plan to increase their independent living skills, connections, and access to support services. They also receive support to source suitable housing options, but the problem is there is an acute shortage of social and affordable housing in the Valley so these young people have nowhere to go."

"The state government allocated a minimum of $60 million to the Latrobe Valley when its Big Housing Build was announced more than three years ago, but the Latrobe local government area has actually lost 37 public housing properties since 2018 under Labor."

This is the government's own data, and beneath all the grandstanding about addressing the housing crisis is the reality that local public housing stocks have actually reduced. Our local support services do a power of work, but they are stretched thin and not adequately resourced," he said.

Latrobe homelessness crisis

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows 2783 people in Latrobe accessed Specialised Homelessness Services (SHS) in the 2022-23 financial year - more than any other regional municipality in Victoria. Homelessness in the Latrobe Valley has also increased 85% in the five years to 21, according to data from the Council to Homeless Persons.

"This data is damning, and it doesn't even account for the huge number of people and families who are sleeping in their cars, couch surfing, living in motels, or finding temporary respite in overcrowded dwellings." Ms Bath said.

"Billions are spent on mega city projects like the Suburban Rail Loop to benefit metropolitan Melbourne, but when it comes to providing the bare necessities like housing in regional Victoria, the Allan Government goes missing time and time again. The repeated and chronic underspending in regional Victoria has exacerbated the housing and homelessness crisis, and I implore the Minister for Housing to do everything in her power to address the dire shortage," Ms Bath concluded.

Pictures from Martin Cameron MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Matt Canavan warns Australia is sleepwalking towards food crisis as population growth outpaces domestic food production
  Matt Canavan has warned Australia is sleepwalking into a food security crisis, with population growth outpacing food production. He says projected shortages could affect pork, butter, eggs, apples, chicken and rice by 2040.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Nationals’ pledge for new Lakes Entrance CFA Station after years of advocacy for improved emergency services
  East Gippsland Council has welcomed The Nationals’ pledge for a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, addressing outdated facilities, improving emergency response capabilities and supporting volunteer firefighters after more than 20 years of advocacy.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election.
• Gippsland Water storage levels remain strong despite below-average spring rainfall forecast, with no supply shortages expected across the region
  Gippsland Water says strong storage levels will support customer demand through spring despite below-average rainfall forecasts, with no shortages expected. Customers are reminded to follow Victoria’s permanent water-saving rules.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
  Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
  Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
  The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria.
• Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
  Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain.