By Bridie Byrne
THIRTEEN homes have been demolished at the Point Cook RAAF base, despite calls for them to be turned into social housing.
The Tenants Union had rallied for the almost 60 empty bungalows to be offered to low-income or homeless people. Rents in Werribee and Hoppers Crossing have risen by an average of $70 since 2006. A defence spokesman said the homes were encroaching on heritage areas.
“Defence is considering the future use and redevelopment of the base and the presence of the groups is inconsistent with the possible future development, security and operational requirements of the base,” he said.
The Point Cook Primary School relocated from the site six months ago to new facilities.
The Aerotots Activity Group and the Point Cook Kindergarten were told last year their leases would not be renewed.
Aerotots uplifted to Werribee and the kindergarten will move at the end of the school year.
