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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Tenants oppose social housing redevelopment

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Residents of Wollongong's Bellambi Estate are opposing a government plan to redevelop their social housing neighborhood into thousands of new apartments.
  • While the redevelopment will increase the total number of social housing units, it will decrease the proportion of social housing from 90% to a minimum of 30%.
  • Residents express concern that the project will displace long-term community members and create a

Residents of Wollongong's Bellambi Estate are voicing strong opposition to a government plan that will see their social housing neighborhood redeveloped over the next 15 to 20 years. The rezoning, confirmed last week, aims to replace 465 existing homes, 435 of which are social housing, with up to 2,500 new apartments and terraces.

Everyday Australians without wealth are being penalised so they can give all the rich people million-dollar views [which] we're not entitled to.

— Wayne MorrisResident describing the redevelopment as "reverse Robin Hood."

While the overall number of social housing units is set to increase, the proportion of social housing within the estate will significantly decrease from approximately 90% to a minimum of 30%. This shift has led residents like Wayne Morris, who has lived in his social housing terrace for 12 years, to describe the plan as "reverse Robin Hood." He argues that everyday Australians without wealth are being penalized to benefit wealthier individuals.

They're going to destroy the community as it is.

— Wayne MorrisResident expressing concern about the impact of the redevelopment on the existing community.

During the government's announcement, ministers Ryan Park and Paul Scully faced vocal opposition from residents. Chris McDougall interrupted the press conference, emphasizing that residents are human beings who shouldn't be uprooted without reason. He stated, "They wouldn't like to get picked up and moved for no reason."

We're human beings.

— Chris McDougallResident interrupting a press conference to voice his opposition to the project.

Despite the resident outcry, Minister Scully defended the proposal, calling it critical for addressing the housing gap. He noted that many residents have privately expressed support and that the current 50-to-60-year-old homes are no longer suitable for many residents' needs. Homes NSW confirmed that planning is underway, but no final decisions on the new homes' locations and sizes have been made.

They wouldn't like to get picked up and moved for no reason.

— Chris McDougallResident expressing his opposition to the project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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