UPDATE: A fierce backlash is brewing against the Victorian government’s controversial plan to demolish and rebuild all public housing towers in Melbourne, as legal experts, engineers, and residents voiced their concerns at a public forum on October 12, 2023. The plan, announced by former Premier Daniel Andrews in September, aims to raze 44 public housing estates by 2051, impacting over 10,000 residents who face forced relocations.
At the Capitol Theatre, attendees expressed outrage over the government’s approach, which they argue lacks adequate consultation and transparency. Margaret Kelly, a former resident of the Barak Beacon estate, shared her traumatic experience of being abruptly informed about her imminent relocation just weeks before Christmas. “Two people were hospitalized,” she revealed, highlighting the emotional toll these sudden moves can take. “It didn’t have to be this way.”
The forum featured retired Supreme Court judge Kevin Bell, who passionately defended the rights of residents, stating, “You are being treated as if you do not count.” Echoing sentiments from the film The Castle, he emphasized that “a home is a castle,” reinforcing the need for residents to have a say in their futures.
Demolition of the uninhabited red-brick Elgin St towers in Carlton is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with redevelopment set to conclude by 2028. However, the timeline raises alarms as residents in North Melbourne and Flemington will not see their towers demolished until they are empty, with a projected completion date of 2031.
Experts at the forum, including structural engineer Brendon McNiven, argued against the government’s assertion that demolition is necessary for sustainability. “It is pure nonsense,” he stated, insisting that new constructions cannot offset the carbon footprint of tearing down existing buildings.
The urgency is palpable as the community prepares for a critical hearing in the Court of Appeal on October 16, 2023. Louisa Bassini, attorney for the failed class action against the demolition, called on residents to rally in support of a more thorough evaluation of the tower’s structural integrity before any demolition begins.
While the forum stopped short of demanding an outright halt to the demolitions, many speakers advocated for a comprehensive review of all public housing estates. Housing Minister Harriet Shing previously stated that the government is “swimming against a very strong current of deterioration,” citing that 88 percent of residents in the first phase have agreed to relocate.
As the situation unfolds, the community remains determined to fight for their homes and advocate for better solutions. The next steps could redefine the future of public housing in Melbourne, making it essential for residents and advocates to stay engaged and informed.
Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue as it develops.
