26 March 2026
No rentals, no options: Regional housing crisis hits breaking point
The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP has sounded the alarm on the worsening housing crisis, warning local families are being pushed out with nowhere to go.
Ms Cleeland said she was increasingly hearing from constituents facing eviction into a rental market with virtually no availability.
“I’ve spoken to families in Seymour who have applied for more than 20 properties and still have nowhere to go. They are weeks away from being without a home,” she said.
“This is the reality right now. People are working hard, raising their kids, and still can’t find a place to live.”
Rental supply in towns like Seymour, Nagambie and Broadford have tightened to critical levels, with some properties receiving 30 to 50 applications.
“There are simply not enough homes. Good, reliable tenants are missing out time and time again,” Ms Cleeland said.
She said the pressure extended to landlords, who are exiting the market due to rising costs.
“Higher interest rates, taxes and compliance costs are forcing people to sell, and every sale is one less rental home for a local family.”
Ms Cleeland said even those trying to build were stuck.
“Families who have done the right thing and bought land are now unable to build due to rising costs and delays. They’re stuck in limbo.”
She said the Allan Labor Government’s response was out of touch.
“The Allan Labor Government keeps announcing big housing numbers, but on the ground in towns like Seymour and Broadford, families simply cannot find a place to live,” she said.
“Too many programs focus on first home buyers, while everyday families trying to get back on their feet are missing out.”
Ms Cleeland warned the impact would ripple through regional communities.
“When families are forced to leave town, it affects schools, jobs and local businesses. It chips away at the heart of our communities.”
She called on the Allan Labor Government to act urgently.
“That means fast-tracking shovel-ready developments, backing regional builds, and reducing the burden on rental providers so they stay in the market,” she said.
“Regional families deserve stability, and right now, they are not getting it.”