Page 4996 - Week 13 - Thursday, 2 November 2017
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Public housing—security modifications
(Question No 647)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, upon notice, on 15 September 2017:
(1) How are security modifications prioritised for Housing ACT properties administered by Housing ACT.
(2) How many properties (a) have had security upgrades or modifications, (b) have universal design principles or are accessible, (c) are ground floor, single story, and (d) are more than 3 bedrooms.
Ms Berry: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1)
Over and above standard security installations such as security screen doors and window locks, additional security modifications may be applied to public housing in response to domestic violence cases. All requests are assessed and prioritised with urgency. It needs to be noted that although most of the works can be completed relatively quickly, any crime safe fixtures are made to measure and can take up to 5 weeks for manufacture.
The ACT Government provided $1.5 million over three years from 2013-14 to 2015-16 for security improvements for elderly tenants in public housing. This program provided a range of activities including deadbolts and peep holes, as well as improved lighting to unit complexes.
(2)
a. Since 2013, Housing ACT has upgraded or modified 155 properties in response to domestic violence cases and 1,614 properties under the three year program (2013-14 to 2015-16) to provide security improvements for elderly tenants.
b. According to Housing ACT records, there are approximately 570 properties that are adaptable.
The total number of Housing ACT properties that incorporate Universal or Liveable Design elements is not known.
Housing ACT utilises a standardised ‘Design Brief’. The design brief incorporates the core elements of the Liveable Housing Design guidelines preferably at the Gold level or guidelines for properties to be designed and constructed to the Adaptable Housing Standards (generally to Class C level) for all new construction projects.
c. According to Housing ACT records, the public housing portfolio includes around 7,000 properties that are located either on the ground floor or are single storey.
d. According to Housing ACT records, the public housing portfolio includes approximately 1,134 properties that have more than three bedrooms.
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