Page 5560 - Week 13 - Thursday, 17 November 2011
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Indeed, public housing tenant satisfaction surveys consistently refer to this as a source of high satisfaction levels. Conversely, the rate of tenancy turnover in the large multi-unit complexes is significantly higher than in the rest of the portfolio. Multi-unit properties are generally subject to higher vacancy rates and refusal rates than other housing properties.
As public housing applicants are increasingly accessing support services prior to allocation, many community-based agencies will advocate that clients who have experienced domestic violence, have mental illness, drug and alcohol issues, clients with children or older people are not allocated multi-unit properties. Not every public housing tenant should live or wants to live in a multi-unit property around Civic. Many Canberrans, like me, love living in places like Belconnen.
But let us not focus solely on public housing when talking about renewal and community benefits. This government is committed to ensuring that the social housing system of both public housing and community housing provides sustainable and flexible options for those in housing need. Therefore, in developing a strategy for public housing in the ACT, the government’s objective to expand community housing is also very important.
The government is equally committed to the expansion of the community housing sector and has put in place initiatives under the affordable housing action plan to support the growth of that sector. Community housing presents a housing option which is complementary to public housing, in that it primarily offers a higher level of tenant participation in management, while also providing another avenue through which the diverse needs of individuals can be met.
Since 2007, the implementation of the affordable housing action plan has tackled the problems of declining home ownerships, rising rents, dwindling rental supply and the provision of community and social housing through a comprehensive package of measures.
Under the affordable housing action plan, Community Housing Canberra Affordable Housing has entered into an agreement for a $50 million revolving finance facility to provide 1,000 affordable housing dwellings in 10 years—1,000 affordable housing dwellings in 10 years. CHC Affordable Housing also received 132 public housing dwellings to provide community housing in the ACT and increase their asset base. This is social housing renewal in action.
But back to our public housing: it is important to note that a large part of the success this government has had in renewing our stock over recent years has been due in part to assistance provided by the commonwealth. The development of age-specific housing is a great example of the successful outcomes from this partnership. These new housing options for older tenants, on sites scattered across Canberra, have been remarkably effective in providing sustainable, low maintenance, accessible housing that supports tenants ageing in place close to existing networks and supports.
One such development that is a good example of this initiative is the development I helped launch in Florey a few months back, alongside my colleagues Minister
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