MORE than 3500 people are on the waiting list for public housing in the Brimbank and Melton area, the second-highest number in the state.
New figures released last week show there were more than 2500 people were on the ’wait turn’ list for public housing in September this year, at the Sunshine offices of the Department of Human Services.
Another 1025 people were on Sunshine’s ’early housing’ waiting list – which applied to those who were assessed as having greater needs, such as the disabled and homeless.
The only area in Victoria which recorded a higher number of requests for public housing was Dandenong, where more than 3800 people are waiting for a home.
Last week the Housing Minister Wendy Lovell said the overall state-wide waiting list for public housing has fallen to its lowest level since June 2007.
Ms Lovell said the main reason for the drop in public housing waiting lists was better management and a dedication to improving the system.
“There is still work to be done, but by reviewing vacancy rates, turn-over procedures and by working harder with those who have been waiting the longest, we are seeing real outcomes,” Ms Lovell said.
“We are also making people more aware of their options, with regard to community housing, bond loans for the private rental market, and other assistance.”
