OPEN space, public transport, congestion and affordability were the key issues raised by residents in response to Brimbank Council's draft housing strategy.

The third stage of consultation on the Home and Housed strategy took place in November and December via a series of workshops and displays across Brimbank.

The plan will drive the form and location of new housing in Brimbank over the next decade.

Solutions for meeting population growth forecasts of 7272 in the Sunshine area and 1196 in Brimbank's north include more medium-density housing in town centres.

But many residents are worried about the loss of backyards and open space in the push for higher-density development.

They want to see more encouragement of public transport use and better traffic plans for areas facing significant change.

Council administrator Meredith Sussex said there was a small response to consultation, but many of the same issues were raised across Brimbank.

Chairman Peter Lewinsky said the council had tried to make the strategy easy to understand with photos, maps, charts and key ideas in point form.

Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service's service area manager Kay O'Connell said affordable housing was the most important issue facing people turning to the service for help.

"We have got to have affordable housing before we can work on any other issues," she said.

"Shelter is our top need and any extra money spent there means less food on the table."

The final draft will be released in coming months.