The latest statistics released by the state government show the number of applicants on the waiting list has risen by 16 since the June quarter.

The increase is also reflected in the statistics for the Loddon Mallee region, which has jumped from 1867 to 1919 since June.

The total number of applicants increased by 562, or 1.5 per cent, from 38,244 in June 2011 to 38,806 across the state.

All regions recorded small increases except Gippsland, which fell by 0.3 per cent.

The rise comes after figures from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria showed the rental availability in Bendigo dropped from 0.7 per cent in May to 0.5 per cent in June.

Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell said changes in quarterly waiting list numbers were affected by a number of factors.

“Changes in waiting list numbers are generally a reflection of underlying economic and social factors such as rent levels in the private market – including in regional centres – the number of affordable homes, changes in economic circumstances, job availability and demographic changes,” she said.

“The state government is working to improve access and outcomes for Victorians who need housing assistance, which is why we are currently developing a new housing framework for social housing and delivering work and learning centres to five public housing estates.

“We have also recently announced our $76.7 million Victorian Homelessness Action Plan 2011-2015, which includes an innovative approach to addressing homelessness for the most vulnerable Victorians.”