Page 3768 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 24 August 2011
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being interested in the affordable rental. Further marketing is proposed and I am confident that interest in the schemes will continue to grow as people become more acquainted with these new schemes.
MS PORTER: A supplementary, Mr Speaker?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, can you please advise the Assembly on progress being made in housing larger households in public housing, following completion of the older persons scheme?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Porter for her interest in social housing also. To date, just over 200 properties have been returned through the older persons accommodation rightsizing scheme. The majority of the properties have been three-bedroom family properties, although 10 of the properties have had four or more bedrooms.
Housing ACT has taken this once in a lifetime opportunity to also consider extending properties where the land and the design of the existing residence permit. We have entered into contracts with two local builders to extend 12 homes to enable large families to be accommodated. Innovation in this program has not stopped at the program itself. One of the extension designs being delivered includes a bedroom, ensuite, additional living space and a kitchenette, which will enable elderly parents to live semi-independently in the family home. This arrangement will provide support and reduce social isolation, while at the same time providing grandparent support and mentoring to the family.
Of the returned properties, over 70 per cent have been allocated to people who were living in specialist homelessness services or who were couch-surfing. So through this initiative, those people who were at their most vulnerable and disadvantaged have been provided with appropriate housing in established neighbourhoods with good access to services, helping them to develop sustainable housing and to turn their lives around. I think they are two very good products that I have outlined to members.
MR COE: A supplementary, Mr Coe?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Minister, how do you address or prevent the deterrent for a tenant making improvements to their house which might drive up the value of the house, thus making it harder to buy their own home?
MS BURCH: Those that are purchasing under the shared equity scheme are effectively the homeowners, and they are free to make any improvements to the properties that they like.
Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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