Healesville needs more housing
The issue
For many older residents of Healesville, remaining in the community they love has become increasingly challenging. Our town has seen a growing number of seniors who are eager to downsize from their 3-4 bedroom homes to smaller, more accessible housing. However, a lack of suitable, affordable housing options forces many to consider relocating outside of Healesville—a choice that disconnects them from their cherished community ties and local support networks.
This petition seeks action from both the Yarra Ranges Council and the Victorian Government to back an initiative led by the Yarra Valley Community Foundation. The Foundation aims to transform the unused land at 58 River St into affordable, medium-density housing that meets the needs of our seniors while contributing valuable residential space to Healesville.
Healesville has very little housing that is suitable for downsizing - 89.7% of Healesville housing stock is separate dwellings, most with 3-4 bedrooms. This is well above the State average of 73.4%. This means that when people want to downsize, they can't - there is nothing small available. Leaving residents with a choice to stay in homes that require significant upkeep and maintenance, or to leave their community.
Turning 58 River St into affordable, medium density housing not only addresses an urgent need but also sets a precedent for community-led initiatives that bolster local cooperation. Affordable housing revitalizes areas, stimulates local economies, and nurtures community bonds.
This partnership between the Yarra Valley Community Foundation and local and state government has the potential to be a transformative project, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can bring about meaningful change tailored to the community's specific needs.
Please join us in calling on the Yarra Ranges Council and the Victorian Government to prioritise the sustainable development of 58 River St. Help us keep Healesville's tight-knit community intact by providing the suitable, affordable housing our seniors so desperately need. Sign this petition to show your support for a compassionate and forward-thinking housing initiative.
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The issue
For many older residents of Healesville, remaining in the community they love has become increasingly challenging. Our town has seen a growing number of seniors who are eager to downsize from their 3-4 bedroom homes to smaller, more accessible housing. However, a lack of suitable, affordable housing options forces many to consider relocating outside of Healesville—a choice that disconnects them from their cherished community ties and local support networks.
This petition seeks action from both the Yarra Ranges Council and the Victorian Government to back an initiative led by the Yarra Valley Community Foundation. The Foundation aims to transform the unused land at 58 River St into affordable, medium-density housing that meets the needs of our seniors while contributing valuable residential space to Healesville.
Healesville has very little housing that is suitable for downsizing - 89.7% of Healesville housing stock is separate dwellings, most with 3-4 bedrooms. This is well above the State average of 73.4%. This means that when people want to downsize, they can't - there is nothing small available. Leaving residents with a choice to stay in homes that require significant upkeep and maintenance, or to leave their community.
Turning 58 River St into affordable, medium density housing not only addresses an urgent need but also sets a precedent for community-led initiatives that bolster local cooperation. Affordable housing revitalizes areas, stimulates local economies, and nurtures community bonds.
This partnership between the Yarra Valley Community Foundation and local and state government has the potential to be a transformative project, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can bring about meaningful change tailored to the community's specific needs.
Please join us in calling on the Yarra Ranges Council and the Victorian Government to prioritise the sustainable development of 58 River St. Help us keep Healesville's tight-knit community intact by providing the suitable, affordable housing our seniors so desperately need. Sign this petition to show your support for a compassionate and forward-thinking housing initiative.
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Petition created on 2 July 2026