The redevelopment of north Melbourne's public housing tower will more than double the number of social housing properties on site, an achievement that the state's peak body for community housing is calling to be replicated across the entire tower renewal project.
The Victorian Government has released plans for two of its public housing towers, with the north Melbourne redevelopment set to increase from 144 social homes to at least 300 social homes.
Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) chief executive Sarah Toohey has applauded the government and encouraged them to emulate the ambition for all towers.
"It's fantastic that the Victorian Government is boosting, and in some cases more than doubling the number of social housing properties in their tower redevelopments," Ms Toohey said.
"This means more than twice as many Victorians will escape the increasingly unaffordable and insecure private rental market, securing stable, safe, high-quality, and genuinely affordable homes that provide the foundation to improve life outcomes.
"Doubling the number of social homes in redevelopment projects is the kind of ambition Victoria needs to see across the public housing tower renewal program. There is enormous need for social housing right across the state - every extra home that is delivered matters and will make a difference to Victorians now and for generations to come.
"During the worst housing crisis in living memory, every dollar the government invests to turn it around must maximise the number of homes created. When the government teams up with not-for-profit community housing providers, taxpayers get more bang for their buck. Not-for-profit community housing organisations consistently build quality affordable homes at lower costs than government projects can achieve. More community housing partnerships mean more Victorians housed with the same public investment."
Quick facts on community housing:
Run by not-for-profits: community housing organisations reinvest revenue to provide more homes and services to renters
Stretch the taxpayer dollar further: community housing organisations can build homes cheaper due to their charitable status, asset bases and co-contributions
Form of rent capped housing: community housing rent is set at below-market rates, capped at no more than 30% of household income, or 75% of the market rent, whichever is lowest
Transparent and accountable sector: community housing organisations are monitored against strict performance standards to protect renters, overseen by an independent and dedicated regulator in the Housing Registrar.
Happier tenants: 75 percent of community housing renters are satisfied with their housing services compared to 67 percent of public housing renters.
