Executives from Australia’s largest provider of co-operative housing will visit Shepparton next week to explore expansion in the region.
Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL) managing director Liz Thomas and general manager of Co-op Services Alyce Holmes will meet with Sam Birrell MP and local housing cooperative communities on Tuesday, July 23.
The visit will allow housing stakeholders and co-operatives to engage in productive discussions about opportunities for expanding co-operative housing in the area.
The rental housing co-operative model is based on members actively participating in managing and running their housing and co-operative community.
“We believe in the power of community-driven housing,” Ms Thomas said.
“Every day, we see the positive life impacts that housing co-operatives provide for their members by offering secure, long-term, affordable housing.”
Key benefits of the model include setting rents as a percentage of taxable income, up to a maximum of the market rent.
Another benefit is the security offered through long-term tenancies, allowing co-op members to continue living in their homes for as long as their housing needs are met.
A recent CEHL member-led project found that co-operative members benefited from secure and affordable housing, the suitability of housing that met their needs, the development of new skills and the formation of friendships and connections within their co-operative communities.
CEHL oversees over 90 co-operatives and 2000 properties across Victoria.
Its core purpose is to deliver long-term, affordable co-operative housing solutions for Victorians.
In Victoria’s northern region, there are more than 200 CEHL co-operative rental properties, with over 50 in Shepparton.
For more information about CEHL and co-operative housing, visit www.cehl.com.au