There needs to be a fundamental change to the policy settings for the provision of social and affordable rental housing so more well-located, high-quality, greener dwellings enter the sector.
Increased investment will not only support people on low incomes with housing needs, but also support the country's economic recovery in both the immediate and long term.
A genuine commitment by the Australian Government and state and territory governments will support the provision of suitable and financially sustainable social and affordable rental housing.
Governments should ensure the basic requirements for social housing are met, by making it:
• integrated with the community
• located where there is easy access to jobs, training, educational opportunities and active and public transport services
• safe and of adequate quality, including being energy-efficient, configured with appropriate health and accessibility hardware (for example, functioning taps) and designed for thermal comfort.
The future of social and affordable rental housing in Australia will continue to be shaped by a number of factors. They include changing demographics, socio-economic and environmental realities, housing market evolutions, and the changing nature of work and related policy decisions as Australia charts a path towards economic recovery.
The approaches to planning and delivering this infrastructure must recognise and respond to the specific conditions in each location and be aligned with Infrastructure Australia's Principles for sustainable infrastructure delivery in Small Towns, Rural Communities and Remote Areas, as discussed in the Place-based outcomes for communities chapter.
" There needs to be a fundamental change to the policy settings for the provision of social and affordable rental housing so more well-located, high-quality, greener dwellings enter the sector. "
To learn more about sustainability outcomes, see the Sustainability and resilience chapter and the Water chapter.