Housing targets are falling behind in our own backyard, putting families at risk and threatening affordability and local infrastructure.
It comes after The Age reported that three-quarters of Melbourne councils are falling behind their quotas, with the city projected to be 500,000 homes short of its 2051 target of 1.7 million dwellings.
Premier Jacinta Allan first announced the quotas in 2024 as part of Labor’s plan to build 800,000 homes over the next decade, but approvals have slowed sharply.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics expects fewer than 45,000 homes to be approved in 2024—well below the government’s 80,000-a-year target.
In the 12 months to June 2025, Cardinia Shire approved 1,425 new dwellings, while building surveyors approved 3,627 new dwellings in Casey.
Both councils remain well short of their 2051 targets, with Cardinia forecast to reach 7,050 homes against a target of 30,000, and Casey projected to deliver 7,172 homes against a target of 87,000.
According to Casey Council, new dwelling approvals are dependent on a number of factors, including economic conditions and available zoned land supply, and will vary year to year.
Casey is awaiting the release of the State’s Housing Capacity Assessment Platform tool before the end of the year, which will assist in understanding and implementing our housing target.
Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said Casey is confident it could meet its housing targets with the right support and reforms from the State Government and continued investment from the housing sector.
“We want Casey to be a welcoming, affordable city, especially for first home buyers and young families, and we continue to call for a more co-ordinated way to work together to unlock new homes in Casey.”
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik also warned residents would be left behind without significant infrastructure funding.
“We support the objective of creating housing choice where there is existing and planned infrastructure, public transport, jobs and services,” Kowarzik said.
“However, to accommodate the housing targets for Cardinia, additional investment and support is needed to ensure new and existing residents have the same quality of life as people in more established local government areas.
“This requires State and Federal government investment in infrastructure to keep up with demand for new roads, parks, sporting facilities and other amenities.”
The State Government and housing advocates told The Age it is too early to judge the program, while critics said red tape and taxes on developers are stifling construction.
