Consultants SGS Economics and Planning estimate 445 households in the city are experiencing housing stress.

This includes 85 senior citizens, 160 singles and 170 families.

SGS Economics and Planning director Clive Attwater told an affordable housing round table in Wodonga yesterday the problem was showing no signs of easing.

“Housing affordability nationally and Victoria as a whole has declined quite severely over the past decade or two,” he said.

“Certainly, in recent times, Wodonga is steadying that trend; it’s not getting worse at nearly the rate of other parts of Victoria or nationally.

“Having said that, it’s not yet at a point where it’s actually improving, or at least I haven’t seen statistics to show that yet.”

The figures show housing stress is being experienced by low to moderate income earners who, on average, spend 30 per cent of their income paying rent or a mortgage.

Wodonga Council chief executive Gavin Cator said major challenges faced by the city in addressing the issue included maintaining the supply of flat, affordable residential land and working with developers to embrace housing diversity.

Student accommodation and one and two-bedroom homes were also in short supply.

Mr Attwater recommended Wodonga make land available for housing and ensure there are no hindrances to its development, particularly in central Wodonga.

He said Wodonga Council should also be working with other groups in the housing industry and be ready to take advantages of funding programs announced by state and federal governments.