Echuca’s median house price has increased by 24 per cent in the past four years, and in Moama by 16 per cent, according to new research by C4EM and the university.
Funded by Hallmark Research Institute, the project was conducted as part of an initiative to support sustainable and affordable housing strategies in the region.
The research ‒ to be released in full in July ‒ also found rental prices had increased in Echuca by 20 per cent since 2017.
“We have also analysed our residential housing stock, finding up to 75 per cent of properties across Echuca-Moama contain three or more bedrooms,” C4EM chief executive Deanne Armstrong said.
“This project has been an amazing opportunity to connect to our young people and allow them a voice.”
St Joseph’s visual arts and communications teacher Allison O’Brien said the Year 10 students created models, diagrams, drawings or photos depicting what they thought affordable housing should be.
She said their work was linked to the Kildare Ministries charter ‘Living Peace — Living Justice’.
“The charter prompts us to walk in solidarity with vulnerable people in our local and global communities,” she said.
“There were very clear connections that the St Joseph’s Year 10 design students made between (the charter) and the project of visioning affordable housing in our region.”
Student Olivia Hansen said she wanted to contribute to the exhibition to shine light on the current housing issue.
“I have the ability to make small differences just by brainstorming ideas on how we can resolve this issue,” she said.
“Everyone deserves to have an affordable house they can call home.”
As housing was an important topic across Australia, Ms Armstrong said more conversations with different community cohorts would help spark change.
“COVID has played a large role with the migration of people coming to regional communities, highlighting the need for conversations to discuss infrastructure and support services into the future,” she said.
The students’ works will be on display at Rich River Golf Club from 3pm on Friday, June 10 to 1pm on Sunday, June 12.
Community members are invited to vote for their favourite exhibit and winning students will be awarded prizes up to the value of $250.
