The Guide for Local Councils: The Delivery of Affordable Housing was launched at the Local Government Housing Forum on 27 November 2025.

Led by Australian Community Housing and supported by ALGA, the Guide aims to build capability and partnerships between local government and Community Housing Providers. It recognises that, while councils are not required to provide affordable housing, they may seek to play a meaningful role where it aligns with community priorities and capacity.

The Guide was informed by a national survey of councils and includes practical insights, strategies, and case studies to help councils to build partnerships, access funding, and support the delivery of affordable housing.

The Guide was developed with the support of Polis Partners and funded through Housing Australia. Download the Guide here, and watch a video that explains its use here.

Previously CHIA commissioned the City Futures Research Centre, UNSW to update 2016 analysis of unmet housing need with the 2021 Census data . A national and regional snapshot, as well as an interactive dashboard which provides a detailed breakdown of households with unmet need, can be viewed here.

This work was commissioned by CHIA with the support of the following organisations: CHIA NSW, CHIA Victoria, Q Shelter, Shelter TAS, Shelter WA and CHCSA.