Why this pilot matters
Australia’s housing crisis is pushing more families and individuals into unsafe, unstable living situations. Bayside Crescent already delivers grass-roots programs such as Youth Hubs, Meals-on-Wheels and social-connection initiatives without ongoing government funding
Our next step is an Emergency Accommodation pilot program. By partnering with affordable housing providers, we aim to use vacant land (i,e, backyard) on pre-exising property to support vulnerable individuals through secondary dwellings. To provide safe, dignified, short/long-term accommodation.
- women & children escaping domestic violence
- young people experiencing primary homelessness
- newly arrived migrants & refugees
- anyone suddenly rendered homeless by crisis events
Planning Reform Meets Purpose: A Legally-Enabled Response to Crisis Housing
Victoria (Melbourne): Amendment VC253 – Housing Statement 2024–2034
As part of the Victorian Government’s bold Housing Statement, Amendment VC253 removes the need for a planning permit to build a small second dwelling (up to 60 m²) on any residential or rural property larger than 300 m². This means:
- No red tape: Faster approvals and smoother construction timelines.
- More homes, sooner: Small, self-contained units can now be built efficiently to house those in crisis.
- Utilising existing land: Empowering homeowners and landholders to support vulnerable individuals through secondary dwellings.
This reform directly supports our mission to deploy rapidly built emergency units across eligible Melbourne properties.
New South Wales (Sydney): SEPP Reforms for Affordable Housing
In Sydney, secondary dwellings (also up to 60 m²) are permitted without full development applications under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), including:
- Affordable Rental Housing SEPP
- Exempt & Complying Development Codes SEPP
These changes:
- Encourage fast-track approval for emergency and crisis housing units.
- Remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles in residential zones, where support is most urgently needed.
- Provide legal and regulatory backing to build safe, private accommodation for individuals facing homelessness, domestic violence, or crisis transitions.
🌱 What This Means for Bayside Crescent’s – Emergency Accommadation Program (EAP)
These legislative shifts remove major barriers to action. With streamlined pathways for small dwelling development, our EAP can:
- Deploy self-contained, purpose-built emergency units on existing lots.
- Collaborate with property owners, councils, and housing advocates with legal clarity.
- Help more people, faster—without compromising quality, safety, or dignity.
Please note:
Reforms for second dwelling does not abolish building permits requirments for modular homes.
Modular Housing Solution: Two Homes for the Price of One
Secure long-term sites by either
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Leasing Long-term residential properties, build will add to the housing provider’s asset base.
Or -
Purchasing existing homes that have ample backyard space to host “Expand” modular units.
The original house continues to serve program needs, while the modular unit delivers extra emergency accommodation on the same block. This approach effectively provides two dwellings for the cost of one long-term property, maximising value and ensuring stable, decade-long capacity for those in crisis.
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50/60 m² two/three-bedroom layout (opens from 2.25 m to 6.36 m wide) – suitable for small families
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Delivered Australia-wide and built live-in ready with power and plumbing and secured to the site.
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Compliant premium electrics & plumbing (AS/NZ standards), double-glazed windows, full-size bathroom, stone-bench kitchen and insulated steel frame for strength & bush-fire resilience
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Modular homes are approved Class 1a building category that conforms with the regulations stipulated by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Meeting local-council siting requirements.
These units combine dignity, safety and comfort with the speed and flexibility required in an emergency context.
How the 12-month pilot will work
| Phase | Timeline | Key activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Site & partner confirmation | Months 0-2 | Secure a host site (public, church or private land) with basic services available; finalise funding agreement |
| 2. Installation & fit-out | Months 2-3 | Deliver 3-5 modular homes; connect to power, water & sewer; furnish and landscape communal areas |
| 3. Operational launch | Month 4 | Intake begins via Bayside Crescent referral network; residents receive |
| 4. Ongoing support & evaluation | Months 4-12 | Track safety, wellbeing and housing-transition outcomes; quarterly reports to funding body |
| 5. Scale or integrate | Month 12 | Publish impact report; explore permanent funding and additional sites |
What we’re seeking
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Funding partner(s) to underwrite capital purchase, vacant site and program delivery for the 12-month pilot.
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Suitable site (450+sqm) within Sydney or Melbourne in suburban or regional, areas for residential accommodation or rural with council willingness to issue permits.
Expected impact (per 1-unit site)
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2 – 4 people (invdividuals/families provided with safe, private accommodation during the pilot year
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accommadation service till transition to stable long-term housing
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Reduced pressure on crisis refuges and hospital emergency departments
Virtual Walkthrough — Portable Modular Homes
Walkthrough Video — Portable Modular Homes