The Bega Valley Shire has a large proportion of long-term vacant homes at approximately 23 per cent, councillor Cathy Griff said.
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In April, Anglicare released its Rental Affordability Snapshot which gave an insight into how dire the nation's housing situation had become.
"Similar problems exist in much of the world but are harsher in Australia, partly due to high level of private property ownership and inadequate government action," Cr Griff said.
"Moving to country areas like Bega is often considered a solution to rental affordability.
"However, while rental may be lower than in cities there is scarce stock of affordable rental in our area."
She said the Greens, of which she is a member, proposed an empty homes rates levy such as the one recently introduced in Melbourne which warranted investigation and wider application.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain said council did not have a specific affordable housing policy, but did have a working group comprised of councillors - including Cr Griff - and concerned locals to put together affordable housing strategies.
"We acknowledge there is a problem with a lack of affordable rentals and general lack of rentals in the shire based on anecdotal evidence," she said.
"The community has recognised there is a real need for a youth refuge."
When it came to such a refuge, she said council's role was one of advocacy as funding for such infrastructure would come from the state and federal governments.
Council had written to the state government regarding a youth refuge, but since then the state election had occurred and Mayor McBain said council needed to follow up on the matter.
Cr Griff said Bega Valley Shire councillors shared an interest in improving housing affordability, including by identifying potential land to be made available and flexible planning regulations.
"Council is in early stages of a Residential Housing Strategy, which will invite community input," she said.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
