Page 1359 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 6 May 2015
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I have previously spoken about the fact that much of this housing, particularly along Northbourne Avenue, is no longer adequate for its original purpose. The buildings do not suit families, they do not support ageing in place and they do not provide disability access. The buildings are expensive to maintain and live in, and it simply would not be viable to bring them up to contemporary building or energy efficiency standards. As a result, the government has committed to the most significant public housing renewal program in the history of self-government—to build new, modern accommodation to replace just under 1,300 of these properties which have reached the end of their useful life.
The new public housing that will be constructed will be contemporary, with better design and construction than the existing dwellings. We will require a minimum of six-star energy efficiency ratings and designs that take advantage of natural sunlight and ventilation. These design features will help reduce the utility and living costs for tenants whilst at the same time significantly improving quality of life. The new homes the public housing renewal program will deliver will have private open space or balconies and a strong focus on security and privacy. Some of the new homes are being specifically designed to suit families.
We also recognise, though, that many of our public housing tenants are getting older and are living with a disability. We need to make sure that the new public housing we construct will support these tenants and their needs. Livable and adaptable housing designs will make sure the new homes we build are accessible for people of all ages and all abilities.
I think Canberrans take it as a matter of pride that our public housing tenants should be welcomed into all communities and all suburbs and that, indeed, almost all Canberra suburbs are home to public housing tenants. Our renewal program will continue this policy of distributing public housing across Canberra. We know building large complexes of public housing creates risks associated with concentrations of disadvantage. Integrating public housing across Canberra’s suburbs helps public housing tenants to be part of the wider community and to contribute to the life of that community.
Dispersing public housing amongst all communities gives children the chance to attend schools all over the city and gives all tenants the ability to access the services that meet their needs. I think every Canberran is proud that we are an inclusive city that values the contribution that every citizen makes.
I have previously spoken about the opportunities the public housing renewal program offers, giving us the chance to renew our urban areas and the gateway to our city. Through this opportunity we can demonstrate that our city is changing and evolving with the times, that we are confident, bold and ready for our second century.
But it is not just about the design of our city; urban renewal allows us to improve the range of housing choices on offer in Canberra and supports the ongoing viability of our major transport corridors. It is also about the way we treat our citizens, most particularly our most vulnerable residents. The public housing renewal program will improve the outcomes for public housing tenants by lifting the quality of the overall public housing portfolio.
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