Housing Minister Richard Wynne today officially opened a new high-quality affordable housing project for vulnerable older people in Parkdale.
Mr Wynne joined Member for Mordialloc Janice Munt and local residents to open the 16 new one-bedroom units on Parkers Road.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to providing high-quality affordable housing to low income older Victorians that meets their needs,” Mr Wynne said.“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to providing high-quality affordable housing to low income older Victorians.”
“This $3.7 million investment has enabled the original three-story building, built in 1965, to be replaced with 16 modern units.
“An adjoining two-storey block of six renovated one-bedroom homes has been retained, which is also undergoing external upgrade work.
“This project, which sustained jobs for around 40 people, is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s record $510 million investment in public and social housing.
“This is the biggest investment by any state government in history and will mean more than 2,000 new homes for vulnerable Victorians by 2012.
“On top of this record investment, 4,500 new homes are being delivered in the next two years thanks to the Gillard Labor Government’s record $1.167 billion Nation Building economic stimulus plan.”
Mr Wynne said the Brumby Labor Government was working hard to build more public and social housing for vulnerable Victorians in areas of need right across the state.
“We’re also working hard to upgrade and redevelop ageing homes, like those that stood here before the redevelopment,” he said.
“As part of the Nation Building investment, $99 million has been allocated to Victoria to upgrade and improve more than 5,600 existing public and social homes across the state.”
Member for Mordialloc Janice Munt said the tight private rental market meant vulnerable people were finding themselves priced out of suburbs where they may have lived their entire lives.
“It’s important that areas like Parkdale remain affordable for all Victorians, regardless of their income or backgrounds,” Ms Munt said.
“We create stronger communities when we create more diverse communities that support and welcome people of different cultures, personal backgrounds and different socio-economic circumstances.”
Features of the new Parkdale units include a low-maintenance rear yard or balcony, gas-boosted solar hot water and heating, car parking spaces, tenant storage areas and rainwater harvesting.