Page 1421 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 9 May 2017
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year. The Public Housing Renewal Taskforce is taking the time to consider and analyse feedback from the local community to ensure that this information positively influences the design outcomes of these developments.
In the first four months of this year, representatives from the Public Housing Renewal Taskforce have attended two community council meetings and hosted four consultation sessions. There have been numerous other informal meetings with local residents and interest groups where residents have met with members of the taskforce to communicate their concerns in depth.
In recent weeks I have attended and have hosted some of these meetings with local community groups, and they have informed much of the current decision-making. In the recent round of community conversations, the taskforce have met with almost 300 residents from across a number of suburbs. Between the taskforce and my office, the government has responded to over 100 written inquiries.
To date, the government has secured nearly 70 per cent of the 1,288 replacement dwellings that we are providing. Through our wide-ranging conversations across the community we are continuing to reflect on and talk about the locations for the remaining dwellings, in both new and established areas. We have also had many discussions concerning the design of the homes themselves. This supports the government’s goal of distributing public housing more evenly throughout our city and echoes the community’s own values of inclusiveness.
The construction and purchasing programs being undertaken through the renewal program are also supporting the building industry and our local economy. Based on ABS data used by the HIA and other industry groups, the program should result in the creation of an additional 1,435 jobs in direct construction, 1,115 in the wider construction industry and 3,340 across the ACT economy over that period.
The government will continue to work with the community to achieve the best outcomes for all involved and to deliver on our objectives of providing public housing all across Canberra. The new public housing will be available for all eligible tenants. It is primarily intended for the tenants moving from the current multi-unit properties but will not be limited to these tenants, as some may choose to stay in their current community or to move to an area which better matches their needs and preferences. The government is working with a range of community organisations to ensure that tenants are supported before, during and after their move. We are also providing financial assistance to cover relocation costs.
Almost half of the 1,288 properties being replaced have been vacated, and I have been happy to hear from some of those tenants who are happy with their new homes. Public housing tenants moving into these new homes have no less rights or responsibilities than private renters. They have the same goals and aspirations for themselves and their families for the chance of a good life, just like the rest of us do.
We are an inclusive and welcoming community that has never supported policies that segregate and discriminate. It is something we are proud of. I am happy to update the
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