A letter from public housing community leaders to Homes Victoria and Housing Minister Shing
This letter, addressed to Homes Victoria CEO Simon Newport and Victorian Housing Minister Harriet Shing, was written by community leaders living in and/or with connections to residents in public housing in Flemington and Kensington.
It was written in July 2024 and read out in parliament by Greens MLC Samantha Ratnam on 14 August, and reproduced here at the request of one of the signatories.
…
Dear Simon Newport and Minister Shing
I write to you urgently on behalf of the Flemington and North Melbourne community, particularly those of us from African countries who have found refuge in Australia. The prospect of being displaced from our homes is causing profound distress and threatens to unravel the very core of our community.
The impact of relocation extends far beyond housing. These high-rise buildings are not just structures; they are the heart of our lives where we have forged friendships, built support networks, and cultivated a sense of belonging. Moving us from this community will sever these vital connections, leaving families isolated and vulnerable, especially our elderly who already struggle with language barriers and rely heavily on local community support.
While we acknowledge the necessity for building repairs or renewal, the proposed alternative of community housing on Victoria Street is wholly inadequate. These units do not meet our needs—they are cramped, lack space for our families and cultural practices, and fail to provide essential privacy and amenities.
Many families have inspected community housing properties at Victoria Street. Large families will need to sell and purchase new furniture to fit the space. We have been told to place our kitchen tables on the balcony, downsize to a smaller fridge, and sell our vehicles. Who is going to pay for all of this?
Some smaller families have considered relocating to community housing on Victoria Street but cannot afford to replace existing furniture.
Public housing, with its distinct policies and affordability, is essential for us as it provides stability and security that community housing cannot guarantee.
Furthermore, the scarcity of public housing exacerbates our concerns. With limited availability, we fear being scattered across areas where we lack necessary support networks and essential services. Where does Homes Victoria plan to relocate us and will there be sufficient parking, especially for women who rely on safe transportation options?
The impact on our cultural identity cannot be overstated. Many of us have fled war-torn countries seeking safety in Australia, and maintaining ties with our families overseas through visits is crucial for our emotional well-being. If we are relocated to community housing, the risk of losing Commonwealth rent assistance when visiting loved ones abroad would create an insurmountable barrier, further isolating us from our families and cultural heritage.
It is imperative that any relocation or demolition plans are immediately halted. The government must engage in meaningful consultation with our community to address these critical issues. We demand clarity on our rights—will we have the right to return to public housing? What will our rent be? These questions must be answered transparently and in writing to alleviate our anxieties.
The Flemington and North Melbourne communities have long supported each other, and any isolation or disconnection will lead to significant social issues impacting generations to come. Parents will lose vital support networks, and children will lose their school communities, which are safe havens for their growth and development.
We were initially assured that relocation would consider our needs and preferences, including moving with family and friends. However, recent interactions with relocation officers have contradicted these assurances, leaving us feeling coerced into accepting inadequate housing offers. The lack of consultation with our community during the planning of these community housing units has exacerbated this issue.
In conclusion, Homes Victoria and the government must take responsibility for rectifying this situation. Immediate action is needed to develop a comprehensive housing strategy that respects our cultural practices, provides adequate space, and ensures affordable housing options that preserve community cohesion and opportunities to stay connected to loved ones. Time is critical. Please act swiftly and responsibly to address our concerns before irreparable damage is done to our community.
The Flem Ken News contacted DFFH and Homes Victoria for confirmation of any response to this letter. A spokesperson for the department sent a statement, some of which has been reproduced here:
“We continue to engage with North Melbourne and Flemington renters and community leaders, including Multicultural Sudanese Centre, and value their ongoing support and advocacy for their communities.
“A dedicated relocations team is working with the 484 households at the Flemington and North Melbourne public housing towers to understand each renter’s housing and social support needs, including connection with place.
“215 Flemington and North Melbourne households have been supported to move into new homes and a further 115 households are either matched to an alternative property or have accepted a property.
“We’ve knocked on every single door of the 5,800 households across the 44 towers, including North Melbourne and Flemington towers, to make sure every resident has the support they need, and their questions answered. We brought along almost 150 interpreters to ensure residents could be heard and communicate in their primary language.”
…
The response from Homes Victoria
We followed up with Homes Victoria and DFFH to find out whether the signatories had received a response to this letter. The following statement was given to us by a Homes Victoria spokesperson.
…
We continue to engage with North Melbourne and Flemington renters and community leaders, including Multicultural Sudanese Centre, and value their ongoing support and advocacy for their communities.
A dedicated relocations team is working with the 484 households at the Flemington and North Melbourne public housing towers to understand each renter’s housing and social support needs, including connection with place.
215 Flemington and North Melbourne households have been supported to move into new homes and a further 115 households are either matched to an alternative property or have accepted a property.
We’ve knocked on every single door of the 5,800 households across the 44 towers, including North Melbourne and Flemington towers, to make sure every resident has the support they need, and their questions answered. We brought along almost 150 interpreters to ensure residents could be heard and communicate in their primary language.
Background
Homes Victoria has hosted a variety of engagement sessions with renters and community leaders, and provided communications, to ensure that community is support each step of the way.
This includes:
Hosting information pop-up and Q&A sessions, as well as dedicated in-language sessions
Providing information materials in 16 different languages
Developing a regular high-rise redevelopment renter newsletter
Hosting tours of the new, accessible and energy efficient homes at Victoria Street, Flemington.
Community leaders were also provided information to share with locals and renters before the high-rise redevelopment announcement.
When the new social housing is completed, relocated renters will have a right of return to the neighbourhood based on their ongoing needs, eligibility and suitability of new homes. This includes supporting households who wish to live close to one another or wish stay in the local area. For example, Holland Court and Racecourse Road residents who wish to stay close, have been given priority access to the new Victoria St apartments.
Renters who relocate to community housing will pay no more than 25% of their income in rent for the duration of their move.
We are undertaking Australia's largest urban renewal program, redeveloping Melbourne’s 44 older social housing high-rise towers, giving more Victorians access to modern, accessible, and energy-efficient homes, as well as better designed community facilities for everyone.
It would cost an estimated $2.3 billion over 20 years just to keep the towers in a habitable condition, without redevelopment to meet modern building standards. Residents would still have to be relocated while upgrades take place, as work would be extensive and involve significant disruption.