Bendigo’s housing industry is preparing for an important discussion about the challenges facing local builders, developers and people looking for homes across regional Victoria. A Housing Industry Association roundtable is scheduled to take place in Bendigo on Friday, 4 September 2026, bringing together housing-industry representatives and state-election candidates to discuss issues affecting the supply and affordability of homes.

The event is expected to provide an opportunity for local builders and housing businesses to explain the difficulties they face and discuss potential solutions with political representatives. Housing affordability has become an increasingly important issue across regional Victoria, with Bendigo experiencing population growth and continuing demand for houses and rental properties.

One of the major issues expected to be discussed is the cost of building. Higher costs can make it more difficult for builders to deliver new homes at prices that are affordable for local residents. Industry representatives are also expected to raise concerns about regulations, taxes and government charges that can add to the overall cost of residential construction.

Another major focus will be the shortage of skilled workers. Construction companies need qualified tradespeople, apprentices and other workers to keep projects moving. A shortage of workers can delay construction and increase costs, potentially making it harder for new housing to reach the market.

The industry is also expected to discuss ways of attracting more apprentices into construction. Training new workers is considered important for addressing long-term workforce shortages and ensuring Bendigo has enough skilled tradespeople to support future development.

Consumer confidence is another issue facing the housing sector. Decisions to purchase or build a home can depend on interest rates, household income, construction costs and expectations about the property market. Uncertainty can cause people to delay building or purchasing decisions.

The roundtable is particularly significant because Bendigo is one of regional Victoria’s major population and economic centres. The city continues to attract residents, businesses and investment, creating additional demand for housing and infrastructure.

For renters, limited housing availability can contribute to increased competition for properties. For first-home buyers, rising prices and construction costs can make entering the property market more difficult. Builders therefore argue that policies supporting increased housing supply are essential.

The meeting will also give political candidates an opportunity to hear directly from businesses working within the housing sector. With Victoria’s state election approaching, housing policy is expected to remain an important issue for voters and industry groups.

Local housing businesses want governments to consider practical measures that can help increase construction and reduce unnecessary costs. This could include reviewing regulations, improving planning processes and supporting workforce development.

The Housing Industry Association has organised similar discussions to give its members a stronger voice on issues affecting residential construction. The Bendigo meeting will focus specifically on challenges facing regional housing businesses and communities.

The event is expected to bring together people with different perspectives on how the housing crisis should be addressed. Builders and industry representatives will be able to outline the practical problems they encounter, while political candidates can explain their policies and proposed solutions.

For Bendigo residents, the outcome of these discussions could be important because housing supply affects affordability, rental availability and population growth. More efficient construction and adequate workforce capacity could help increase the number of homes being delivered.

However, solving housing shortages requires cooperation between governments, councils, builders, developers and communities. Decisions about planning, infrastructure, taxation, regulation and workforce training all influence how quickly new housing can be built.

The upcoming Bendigo roundtable therefore represents an opportunity to discuss these issues directly and identify areas where policy changes may help the local housing industry.

As Bendigo continues to grow, ensuring an adequate supply of affordable and suitable housing will remain a significant challenge. The discussions on September 4 are expected to provide further insight into what local builders believe needs to change and what political candidates are prepared to do about the region’s housing pressures.