Held in the electorate of Ripon, the roundtable will highlight findings from HIA's Housing the Regions report and reinforce the message that regional housing must be a central pillar of housing policy for the next Victorian Government, not a secondary consideration.

While much of the housing debate remains focused on Melbourne, regional communities across Victoria are facing significant affordability, supply and workforce challenges.

Without targeted action, these challenges risk constraining economic growth, limiting investment opportunities and placing increasing pressure on regional businesses and communities.

The roundtable will provide an opportunity to discuss practical solutions to improve housing supply, support local industries and ensure regional communities have the homes and infrastructure needed to accommodate future growth.

HIA Chief Executive Industry and Policy Simon Croft said Victoria's regional housing markets require dedicated policies and funding that reflect their unique circumstances.

"Victoria's regions offer enormous economic and lifestyle opportunities but unlocking that potential requires a long-term commitment to housing supply backed by dedicated funding and policy support.

"Regional housing cannot be an afterthought in Victoria's housing agenda. If we are serious about supporting economic growth, addressing housing affordability and strengthening communities, regional housing must be a central pillar of the next Victorian Government's housing strategy.

"HIA's Housing the Regions report highlights that regional Victoria faces many of its own housing challenges, which require dedicated policy responses rather than simply extending metropolitan solutions into regional areas."

Mr Croft said Ballarat and surrounding communities are among the regions that will play an increasingly important role in Victoria's future growth.

"Ballarat continues to attract new residents, businesses and investment, but its success depends on ensuring there is sufficient housing to support that growth.

"Strong local industries need access to a skilled workforce, and workers need access to quality, affordable housing. The two go hand in hand.

"Communities such as Ballarat, Ararat, Maryborough and the broader Ripon electorate need housing policies that support growth, enable investment and provide greater housing choice for families, workers and older Australians.”

The roundtable will also examine opportunities to reduce barriers to new housing development, improve planning outcomes, unlock greater housing innovation and support the delivery of enabling infrastructure that unlocks new housing opportunities across regional Victoria.

Mr Croft said investing in regional housing delivers benefits well beyond the housing sector.

"When regional communities have the homes they need, local businesses can grow, essential services can attract workers and families have greater choice about where they live and work.

"Regional housing should not be viewed as a secondary consideration. It is fundamental to the future prosperity and resilience of Victoria."

The Ballarat roundtable forms part of HIA's ongoing advocacy ahead of November’s state election to ensure housing policy supports sustainable growth across regional, rural and metropolitan Victoria.

As part of HIA's Builders Want to Build campaign, the Association is calling on all parties contesting the Victorian election this November to place housing at the centre of their policy agenda.

HIA firmly believes increasing housing supply, improving affordability and supporting regional growth should be among the highest priorities for the next Victorian Government.

Delivering more homes, faster, requires coordinated action on planning, infrastructure, workforce capacity and investment across both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

For more information please contact: