In this submission, the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) supports the redevelopment of Melbourne’s public housing towers to address urgent housing needs but stresses the redevelopment must centre resident wellbeing and equity.
CHP calls for careful planning to support displaced residents with culturally appropriate wrap-around services, protect community connections, and ensure housing standards are equitable and adaptable. Public housing must remain a key part of the mix and that all new homes be inclusive, accessible, and high quality, to support the diverse and evolving needs of residents throughout their lives.
CHP further highlights that the current towers are outdated and unfit for purpose, and backs efforts to increase social housing.
The proposed 10% increase in social housing is inadequate given Victoria’s chronic housing shortage and rising homelessness. CHP urges the Victorian Government to align with Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendation to build 60,000 social homes.