Residents of seven public housing towers in Melbourne learned this week they will be required to relocate as part of a broader government plan to redevelop aging high-rise properties. Lana Sawyer, a resident of the Albert Park tower, discovered the news on Thursday while noticing an unusual number of people “in lots of suits” in the building’s community room.
Demolition Plans Expand
The Albert Park tower is among seven slated for demolition, impacting older residents specifically. This announcement represents the second phase of a plan, initiated under the Daniel Andrews government, to redevelop all 44 of Melbourne’s public housing high-rises by 2051. The other affected towers are located in Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne, Prahran, and St Kilda.
For some, like 93-year-old Anne Downey, who has lived at the Albert Park site for four years, the news was unexpected. She had been led to believe her tower would be among the last to be redeveloped. “At my age I don’t really want to be moving around,” Downey stated, expressing worry about the upcoming transition and her need for assistance.
Lana Sawyer, 58, who lives with chronic pain and PTSD, echoed these concerns, stating, “I’ve got serious health issues. I can’t move heavy boxes and a fridge on my own…Who’s going to pack up all this stuff?”
Legal Challenges and Resident Support
The announcement comes as lawyers representing residents in the first tranche of demolitions pursue a legal challenge in the High Court, seeking to block the redevelopment. A previous appeal was dismissed by the court of appeal last month. Despite the legal action, lawyers from Inner Melbourne Community Legal will next week seek a court injunction to prevent Homes Victoria from issuing eviction notices until the legal process concludes. Approximately 30 residents remain in the first three towers slated for demolition in Flemington and North Melbourne.
Victoria’s housing minister, Harriet Shing, defended the plan, stating the government is committed to replacing aging towers with “modern, energy-efficient and affordable homes” that meet current standards. Relocations are scheduled to begin in July. Homes Victoria has stated that each household will be assigned a relocation officer and peer support will be offered to those who have already been relocated.
Housing advocates have raised concerns that the redevelopment may result in only a 10% increase in social housing overall, as community housing providers can charge higher rents than public housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeline for these demolitions?
Relocations for residents of the seven towers will begin in July. The overall plan aims to redevelop all 44 high-rise towers by 2051.
What support is being offered to residents who need to move?
The government has stated that each affected household will be assigned a relocation officer to help find suitable new housing, with priority given to keeping people within their current communities. A peer-support program will also connect relocating residents with those who have already moved.
Are residents legally challenging the demolitions?
Yes, lawyers representing residents in the first tranche of demolitions are pursuing a legal challenge in the High Court, and will seek an injunction to prevent eviction notices from being served until the legal process is complete.
How might the redevelopment of these towers impact the availability of affordable housing in Melbourne?
