Fresh survey to track Margaret River housing crisis

Local not-for-profit Just Home is surveying residents again to update their data on the region’s housing crisis. The latest survey, which closes midway through next month, follows the release of the report I Wouldn’t Wish This On Anyone, which found residents were getting squeezed out of the region by rampant rent increases and shortages brought on by new residents, property speculation, and the ongoing rise of online short stays. “The findings of this report reinforced that the Augusta-Margaret River community was experiencing a housing crisis, and that the crisis had increased in severity,” Just Home said. “Just Home is now wanting to revisit the housing crisis situation and particularly to examine the effects of the end of eviction moratoriums on residents in Augusta-Margaret River. “It is hoped that this information can be used for advocacy work by Just Home, and to attempt to tackle the current lack of affordable housing in the region.” Just Home chair Naomi Godden has previously called on the State Government to increase its investment in public housing in the region, with inadequate supply and big wait lists for poorer residents. The 15-minute confidential survey can be accessed via justhome.org.