Resilient, efficient and climate-ready housing

solar panels on a residential roof

Planning for growth, affordability and a changing climate

Hobsons Bay is experiencing significant growth and change, placing increasing pressure on housing supply, affordability and infrastructure. Simultaneously, climate risks such as heat, flooding and coastal impacts are affecting how and where people live. Investment is needed to support housing that is affordable, resilient and designed for the future.

Funding request

Targeted investment and policy support to deliver climate-resilient and well-located housing.

At a glance

  • Support delivery of affordable and diverse housing
  • Improve resilience to climate impacts such as heat and flooding
  • Align housing growth with infrastructure and services
  • Create liveable, sustainable neighbourhoods

Explore the priority

Why this is needed

Hobsons Bay is facing increasing housing pressure, with rising costs and limited supply impacting affordability for many residents. At the same time, climate change is intensifying risks such as extreme heat, flooding and coastal impacts. This requires a more resilient approach to housing and urban development.

Without coordinated investment and planning, these challenges will continue to affect liveability and community wellbeing.

What we're advocating for

Council is seeking targeted support to deliver housing that is both affordable and climate-resilient. This includes:

  • Increased supply of affordable and social housing
  • Climate-responsive housing design (heat, energy efficiency, resilience)
  • Better integration of housing with transport, jobs and services
  • Infrastructure to support growing communities
  • Partnerships across government and industry

The case for investment

Housing affordability pressures: housing stress is increasing, particularly in growing areas of Melbourne’s west.

Climate impacts on housing: extreme heat, flooding and coastal risks are already affecting homes and communities.

Supporting sustainable growth: well-planned housing reduces long-term infrastructure costs and improves liveability.

Community benefits

  • Increased access to affordable and appropriate housing
  • Homes that are safer and more resilient to climate impacts
  • Reduced energy costs and improved comfort
  • Better connected communities with access to services

Alignment with government priorities

This priority aligns with key government objectives, including:

  • Housing affordability and supply
  • Climate adaptation and resilience
  • Sustainable urban development
  • Infrastructure planning in growth areas

Readiness and opportunity

There is a strong opportunity to deliver better housing outcomes through coordinated investment and policy support.

  • Clear alignment with state and federal housing priorities
  • Opportunities for partnership across sectors
  • Established planning frameworks and local knowledge
  • Growing community need

Our ask

Hobsons Bay City Council is advocating for targeted investment and policy support to deliver housing that is affordable, resilient and climate ready. This will ensure current and future residents have access to safe, sustainable and well-located homes. Specifically, we are asking the government to:

  • Reinstate the ESD provisions that have been removed through the Planning Amendment Act 2025.
  • Expediate the completion of Stage 2 of the State Government ESD road map.
  • Authorise the elevating ESD Targets Planning Scheme Amendment.
  • Accept and deliver the recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Climate Resilience.
  • Enable and incentivise the use of cost effective, sustainable construction materials through updated guidelines.
  • Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure all new homes meet minimum quality and performance standards.
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