Homelessness and social housing organisation BeyondHousing says the latest Rental Affordability Index reveals a deepening crisis where even minimum wage earners struggle to pay rent.
The 2023 National Shelter-SGS Economics and Planning Rental Affordability Index listed Numurkah as the only “affordable” centre for renting across the Goulburn and Murray valleys and one of only three regional Victoria centres outside Melbourne.
The other two were Kerang in the state’s north and Nhill in the north-west.
An affordable rental is when rent comprises up to 15 per cent of the average household income.
BeyondHousing chief executive Celia Adams said the rising cost of renting was placing an unbearable strain on many people, especially low-income families and those on welfare.
“For those earning minimum wage or on benefits such as JobSeeker, the proportion of income spent on rent is alarmingly high, in some cases exceeding 64 per cent,” she said.
“In Shepparton, average weekly house rents soar to $450, a 14.8 per cent increase over the last year.
“This rate of increase, well above the regional average, is putting immense pressure on our community.”
Ms Adams pointed out rent hikes among different housing types, including the average weekly rent for units rising to $344, a 6.1 per cent increase over the year.
“This is a call to action — our communities are facing a housing crisis where affordability is plummeting,’’ she said.
“The urgent expansion of social housing is a key part of the solution.
“We urge policymakers to take immediate action. Reforming housing subsidies and strengthening renters’ rights are essential steps in addressing this crisis.
“This challenge requires collaboration across sectors. Government, private stakeholders and community organisations must create lasting, impactful housing solutions for all.”