Regional Victoria should play a central role in housing policy ahead of November’s state election, according to the Housing Industry Association, which has urged political parties to place regional communities at the heart of efforts to improve housing affordability and boost supply.
The call comes as builders, industry representatives and political stakeholders gather in Wodonga for a Regional Housing Roundtable focused on the challenges facing home construction across north-east Victoria.
The forum aims to identify barriers that are limiting housing delivery and explore reforms that could support new home building, workforce growth and regional development.
Housing Industry Association Chief Executive Industry and Policy Simon Croft said regional communities account for around a quarter of Victoria’s population and should receive policy attention and investment that reflects their role in the state’s economy and housing market.
He argued that increasing housing supply is essential to addressing affordability pressures and said regional builders are facing a range of obstacles, including planning delays, workforce shortages, regulatory requirements and rising construction costs.
Industry groups have consistently raised concerns about the pace and complexity of planning approvals, while state governments have faced pressure to balance housing growth with infrastructure provision, environmental considerations and community expectations.
Croft said regional centres such as Wodonga continue to attract new residents and businesses, creating demand for additional housing and services. He argued that continued growth will depend on adequate infrastructure and policies that support residential development.
HIA Victoria Executive Director Keith Ryan said feedback from builders across regional Victoria points to recurring concerns around land availability, planning processes, taxes, charges and labour shortages.
He also pointed to recent industry data showing a decline in new home sales across Victoria, arguing that additional regulatory changes could add further pressure to the sector at a time when housing supply remains a major public policy issue.
Housing affordability and supply are expected to feature prominently during the election campaign, with governments and industry groups offering differing views on how best to increase housing stock while maintaining quality, affordability and community outcomes.
The roundtable’s findings are expected to contribute to the housing debate in the lead-up to the November poll, with industry representatives calling for greater attention to the needs and experiences of regional communities.
Ryan said builders and construction businesses working in regional areas have practical knowledge of the challenges involved in delivering new housing and should have a stronger voice in shaping future policy settings.
With population growth continuing across many regional centres, the discussion is likely to add to broader calls for housing policies that address both metropolitan and regional needs as Victoria prepares for the next state election.
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