Geelong Real Deal group wants action on housing affordability and cost of living after hearing harrowing stories of locals

Geelong residents living in cars and an aged pensioner being evicted because the landlord wanted to renovate are just two examples of why housing affordability and security must be addressed, a group of Geelong community organisations say.

A coalition of Geelong community groups want to see social housing built nearby the Waurn Ponds station precinct.

Geelong residents living in cars and an aged pensioner being evicted because the landlord wanted to renovate are just two examples of why housing affordability and security must be addressed, a group of Geelong community organisations say.

Around 130 people gathered on Thursday evening at Cloverdale Community Centre in Corio to provide feedback to policies that have been developed by Real Deal Geelong – a unique coalition of community organisations, religious groups and unions.

The policies were formulated following 38 “table talks” with 238 people that revealed three central concerns: the need for secure housing, meaningful work and affordable living, and care and connection.

Two years in the making, the policies will be presented to state ministers and MPs next year.

Real Deal’s Sally Fisher said it was disappointing no state MPs accepted their invitation to Thursday night’s event.

“But it spurs us on further because we really need action on these polices, these are really dire problems in our community and they need attention right now,” she said.

Ms Fisher said Geelong, like many places, was is in the midst of multiple crises including housing, cost of living, and health and wellbeing.

“Now more than ever people are turning to community, political and industry leaders for solutions,” she said.

“While the current climate can provoke a feeling of helplessness, the Real Deal for Geelong is working hard to find solutions to these crises, advocating strongly on behalf of the community for these to be implemented by our local political leaders.”

Throughout the consultation period, a number of harrowing stories were relayed that highlighted the need for change.

Cloverdale Community Centre chief executive Liz Bonner. Photo: Brad Fleet.

Among those were anecdotes that included “women living in cars in Belmont” and an aged pensioner who was forced to live in a caravan park after being evicted by her landlord because he planned to renovate.

Others bemoaned rising rental costs despite shocking living conditions.

“In our rental, two of the three bedrooms are uninhabitable during the peak of summer,” one participant said.

“The lack of ventilation means there is mould in the bathroom, and still the prices go up.”

Cloverdale Community Centre chief executive Liz Bonner said many people were despondent with the current situation in Geelong.

“They don’t really know how to make things better,” she said.

“The work that the Real Deal is doing is a real, tangible way for people to take power back and contribute meaningfully towards finding solutions.”

Originally published as Geelong Real Deal group wants action on housing affordability and cost of living after hearing harrowing stories of locals