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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 12 Hansard (20 November) . . Page.. 4520 ..

The Government has not taken this decision lightly. We have carefully considered the views of many of the Currong residents - expressed through a survey in April and May this year - as well as the important issues of safety and the very high cost of addressing the poor condition of the complex.

The decision to sell or redevelop Currong means that you and the other tenants at Currong will be relocated to more suitable accommodation - a process that will take up to 12 months.

As a tenant, you will be fully consulted on your new housing options. This will include consideration of factors such as where you work, as well as the medical, transport and other services you wish to be near to as any information you gave to the survey is confidential.

The properties available to you will be more modern and have much better facilities that your current residence.

Options will include 58 older persons units that will be constructed and purchased in Braddon and Turner. Housing ACT is also purchasing a further 22 unit complex in Braddon, including units suitable for people with mobility problems. These one and two bedroom properties will be well located to bus routes and community amenities.

For people requiring a city location, larger and upgraded units will be available in Allawah and Bega Courts. If necessary, units in private developments in the inner north will be purchased in existing or new private complexes.

I am fully mindful of the fact that for older residents in particular, relocation will be a significant life event. The relocation process will be carefully managed to ensure the comfort and security of residents is a priority.

Housing ACT will have a dedicated team at Currong Apartments to manage the relocations of tenants to suitable alternative accommodation.

You will have an opportunity to find out more information about the relocation process - and the decision to sell or redevelop Currong - at meetings of tenants.

These will be held at midday tomorrow Tuesday 28 October and at 5pm tomorrow Tuesday 28 October in the Boomerang Room.

Beth Krncevic and John Imre from the Housing ACT relocation team will also be available to talk to you at the Currong Apartments during weekdays. Beth and John's office is located in the Guardians' Room on the first floor of B Block, and you are welcome to visit them between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

You can also telephone 6207 1412 to set up an interview time should you wish. I would encourage you to talk to Beth and John about your future housing requirements.

Please note that Housing ACT will meet all of your relocation costs. This includes removalist fees, as well as telephone, heating or power reconnections.

For your information, I have enclosed a copy of the summary of the tenant survey undertaken at Currong. The full survey is available from the relocation team's office.

You have my assurance that the staff at Housing ACT are totally committed to assisting you and your neighbours in every aspect of your move.

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