Page 4346 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2019
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MS BERRY: This government has a long and proud history of investing in social housing infrastructure in Canberra. Much like public transport, healthcare services and public education, social housing enhances social outcomes and wellbeing in the community while also contributing to our economic growth. The ACT housing strategy outlines the government’s continuing commitment to achieving real, tangible outcomes for our community by strengthening social housing infrastructure.
Building on the public renewal program, which has delivered 1,288 new homes for tenants over the past five years, the ACT government will build another 1,200 new homes, including an additional 200 dwellings to be added to the public housing stock. This will provide homes for 200 more households who most need it.
The ACT government recognises the importance of public housing in well-located areas. When renewing assets, Housing ACT will look to redevelop the areas that provide good access to public transport, shops, schools, health and other community services. By focusing investment in priority locations, and having the right mix of accessible social infrastructure, the ACT government can provide the most vulnerable members of our community with housing stability that enables people to participate in our community.
The government is investing in public housing as important social infrastructure that will provide Canberrans who need it with more long-term, affordable housing.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how will the growth and renewal of these homes improve life for people accessing public housing?
MS BERRY: The ACT government recognises that public housing is a vehicle for better lives, social participation and stronger communities. Public housing is a public asset, providing people with a stable home and the chance of a happy and fulfilling life.
The new growth and renewal program, which will deliver 1,200 new homes, will target older, no longer fit-for-purpose properties and replace them with new, efficient and secure homes. As a result of our building more efficient properties, designing out costly maintenance issues, incorporating passive design elements and using high quality materials, public housing tenants will experience reduced heating and cooling costs and their homes will require less maintenance.
The new program will consist primarily of properties to be built to class C adaptable and livable housing Australia gold standards. Adaptable housing ensures that people of a range of ages and abilities can stay in their homes which can be easily adapted to meet household needs. This allows for more flexible allocation of properties and reduces moving costs. It will also allow residents to age in place with the house changing around them so they will benefit from established relationships and longer term connections to the local community.
By continuing to grow and renew the ACT public housing portfolio the forward program will allow Housing ACT to provide more homes for those who need them.
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