From the Minister for Housing

Wednesday, 15 August 2007

New singles accommodation in Maidstone will provide more affordable housing for local people on lower incomes, Minister for Housing Richard Wynne announced today.

Mr Wynne joined local MP Marsha Thomson and representatives from Yarra Community Housing, the architects and builders, for an inspection of recently completed self-contained apartments for singles in Rooney Street, Maidstone.

“This new apartment building will provide a dramatic boost in the number of affordable homes in the Maidstone area,” Mr Wynne said.

“The most recent State Budget included a record $510 million to increase the supply of affordable homes across Victoria.

“What we’re seeing here in Maidstone today is the Brumby Government delivering on its promises.”

The total cost of the project is $3 million and it includes 20 self-contained apartments each with a private courtyard or balcony. In addition there will be landscaped communal areas, car parking and a communal lounge and laundry.

Two of the new homes are accessible for people with a disability.

The innovative design features solar boosted hot water, an underground storage tank for rainwater to irrigate the building’s garden, video intercom system for each unit, a lock up bicycle storage room, hydronic heating and external remote controlled sun blinds.

Yarra Community Housing, a not-for-profit housing association with a proven record in managing these properties, will manage the building.
Tenants are due to start moving into the new building later this month.

“I’d like to thank Yarra Community Housing and everybody involved in the Rooney St apartments for their hard work and dedication,” Mr Wynne said.

Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said the Brumby Government had committed $14 million for improved and new single apartments for lower-income people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

“Affordable housing is a major challenge for many people and the Brumby Government is delivering a record boost to improve access to housing for Victorians on low incomes,” Ms Thomson said.