Our Housing Future 2020–2030

Introduction

The document Our Housing Future 2020–2030 outlines South Australia’s comprehensive strategy to reform its housing and homelessness system over the next decade. It emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability to address housing challenges while fostering economic growth and community resilience. Below is a detailed summary of its key elements.

Vision and Objectives

The strategy envisions a housing system that is customer-centered, efficient, and sustainable, aiming to meet the diverse needs of South Australians. Its objectives include:

• Supporting well-located, appropriate housing supply.

• Bolstering economic growth through population retention and productivity.

• Attracting private investment to expand affordable housing.

• Improving access to housing information and services.

• Preventing homelessness and assisting those in crisis.

• Enhancing the quality of services for greater independence.

• Transitioning from subsidy-based models to investment-driven approaches.

Key Strategies

The strategy is built around five core pillars:

1. Creating Conditions for a Well-Functioning Housing Market

This involves fostering a resilient housing ecosystem that meets the needs of all South Australians. Key actions include:

• Recognizing housing as essential infrastructure within the state’s 20-year plan.

• Introducing responsive planning systems like the Planning and Design Code to diversify housing supply.

• Developing local housing plans tailored to regional needs.

• Mandating universal design principles for public housing to support aging populations and sustainability.

2. Reducing Housing Stress

The government plans to deliver 20,000 affordable housing solutions by:

• Investing $54 million in neighborhood renewal programs over five years.

• Leveraging underutilized land for innovative affordable housing projects.

• Constructing up to 1,000 homes through Community Housing Asset Plans.

• Supporting affordable rental opportunities via tax exemptions and partnerships.

3. Creating Housing Pathways

This strategy focuses on enabling individuals to access appropriate housing as their needs evolve. Actions include:

• Reform eligibility policies for social housing to improve access.

• Establishing clear pathways for transitioning between different types of housing.

4. Preventing and Reducing Homelessness

The government aims to address homelessness through targeted interventions such as:

• Investing in emergency accommodation alternatives.

• Providing tailored support services focused on long-term outcomes.

5. Modernizing Social Housing

Efforts include:

• Allocating $75 million to address public housing maintenance backlogs and enhance energy efficiency.

• Reform social housing operations with tools like a Single Housing Register and choice-based letting systems.

• Improving financial sustainability within the social housing sector.

Strategic Approach

The strategy adopts a people-first approach, emphasizing collaboration across sectors and cultural inclusivity. It integrates environmental sustainability into housing initiatives, such as installing solar panels on public housing units where feasible.

Investment Commitments

To achieve its goals, the state government has committed substantial funding:

• $452 million for new social and affordable housing supply.

• $75 million for public housing maintenance improvements.

• $20 million for innovative trials addressing system gaps.

Housing Ecosystem Concept

The strategy defines a “housing ecosystem” as a dynamic system encompassing various forms of housing—social, private rental, short-term accommodations, and outright ownership—interconnected by customer needs and market conditions. This concept underscores the importance of creating seamless transitions along the housing continuum.

Accountability and Monitoring

The progress of Our Housing Future 2020–2030 will be measured against four key outcomes:

1. Customer at the Center: Ensuring accessible and affordable housing options tailored to individual needs.

2. Effective Industry: Building a high-performing sector committed to improving customer outcomes.

3. Matching Supply to Demand: Developing a resilient market that offers diverse choices aligned with household needs.

4. Sustainable Investment: Encouraging long-term investments in affordable, environmentally friendly housing solutions.

Collaborative Partnerships

The strategy emphasizes partnerships between government agencies, private investors, community organizations, and customers. Collaboration is seen as critical for driving innovation, co-investment, and shared accountability in achieving systemic change.

Where to From Here?

The document concludes with a call for collective action across all stakeholders in South Australia’s housing ecosystem. It highlights the importance of continuous engagement with customers, industry leaders, and policymakers to ensure that the strategy evolves in response to emerging challenges.

In summary, Our Housing Future 2020–2030 represents an ambitious blueprint for transforming South Australia’s housing landscape into one that is inclusive, sustainable, and capable of meeting diverse needs for generations to come.

Also Read: Upscaling the Vienna Model of Social Housing to the EU level