- New properties to be in the inner city suburb of Dickson
- Houses to focus on not just creating affordable houses but sustainable
- Action happens following criticism earlier in February
Early in February this year, the ACT government came under fire for a “chronic shortage” of public housing, as reported by the Canberra Times.
The issue was raised by the ACT Council of Social Service, and Shelter ACT, both expressing concerns about the public housing and homelessness situation.
ACT Council of Social Service chief executive Emma Campbell told Canberra Times that “construction of new public housing dwellings had not maintained pace with Canberra’s rapid population growth”.
Though the initial response was met with confusion from some, more than a month later, the ACT government has now announced 21 new homes.
Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry said in a statement released today that the news homes would be part of the “ACT government’s Growing and Renewing Public Housing program.”
The new developments will be in Dickson, about ten minutes north of Parliament House, with a “focus of improving public housing through the renewal of older, less efficient homes and increasing the number of properties that are designed and built to provide more choice and meet the needs of more Canberrans.”
Dickson is not exactly the most affordable suburb in town, SQM Research shows weekly asking prices for a 3 bedroom home is around $715,000, a two bedroom unit on the other hand around $514,000.
Select part of the chart to zoom in on various years, and ‘reset zoom’ button to return.
The rental market isn’t too conducive to the lower income brackets either, both weekly rents and vacancies making it a tough place to call home.
Select part of the chart to zoom in on various years, and ‘reset zoom’ button to return.
