By Kerri-Anne Mesner
THE number of Sunshine families at risk of recurring homelessness or with special disability or housing needs has increased almost seven-fold in seven and a half years.
Figures released for the December 2007 quarter show there were 702 families on the State Government’s early housing waiting list in Sunshine – an increase of 16 since September 2007 and 700 per cent increase on June 2000 when the waiting list was 127.
Opposition spokeswoman for housing Wendy Lovell said families in Melbourne’s north west had again been ignored, with the number of families on waiting lists increasing from September to December.
“Early housing waiting list figures released by the State Government’s Office of Housing reveal a disturbing increase in the number of people waiting for urgent housing,” Ms Lovell said.
The list represents families who are at risk of recurring homelessness, coping with a disability or who have special housing needs.
There are now 3272 families on the public housing waiting list in Sunshine – 102 more than in September.
Ms Lovell said the public housing waiting list seemed to be steady in Sunshine, with figures of 3740 in June 2000, 3170 in September 2007 and 3272 in December 2007.
“The rental report for the September 2007 quarter revealed another dramatic rise in the cost of private rental accommodation,” she said.
“Last year’s budget papers revealed that although the government planned to build 800 new public housing dwellings over the next four years, the fine print stated they also planned to retire 1200 older public housing dwellings, leaving Victoria with a net loss of 400 public housing properties.”
However, Housing Minister Richard Wynne said waiting lists had remained steady, rising by 0.5 per cent during the December quarter.
“Public housing in northern and western Melbourne is coping well in the face of record private market rents and historically low vacancy rates,” he said.
“The Brumby Government recognises the need for more social housing, and we are investing an extra $510 million over four years to increase and improve our social housing stock.
“This will enable us to build another 4000 dwellings for low-income Victorians.”
