Merri-bek supports push for more public housing (Media release)

Moreland’s Mayor and Councillors, along with colleagues from other municipalities and members of the Victorian Parliament stood together with public housing residents today to support Greens leader in the Victorian Parliament – and former Merri-bek Mayor – Samantha Ratnam’s bid to stop the sell-off of public housing land.

There are currently more than 30,000 applications on the waiting list for public housing in Victoria.

“We as a Council – and our residents – want everyone to have access to safe and comfortable accommodation,” said Cr Kavanagh.

“Labor’s so-called ‘Public Housing Renewal Program’ – which includes the Gronn Place estate in Brunswick West – is in actual fact a program to sell off our precious public housing land to private developers. We have a public housing crisis in this state and we need more government support for public housing, not less.”

The Minister for Planning has made himself the sole planning authority for these projects, taking away any and all input from Council in its own community.

“This is deeply disappointing and I thank all who stand with us today to send the message loud and clear that this is not acceptable. Our community, and all Victorians, deserve better,” said Cr Kavanagh.

Samantha Ratnam’s motion will be debated in parliament on Wednesday 6 June.

25 May 2018