Twenty-one new public housing dwellings have been built in Dickson – which the ACT government considers a milestone in its public housing renewal program.

“Renewal of older public housing is critical to ensure we can provide appropriate housing for more people in need,” Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, said.

The government is committed to renewing 1,000 old unsustainable public housing properties and adding an additional 400 new public housing properties across the ACT, Ms Berry said. (The community sector, however, estimates that the ACT has a shortfall of 3,100 social housing properties, and needs at least 8,500 additional dwellings by 2036.)

The new homes replace six ageing public housing properties built in the 1960s, Ms Berry said.

The modern dwellings range in configuration from two-bedroom townhouses to four-bedroom units, and meet a minimum seven-star energy efficiency rating to improve tenant comfort all year round.

All the new units and townhouses are built to either Gold Class or Class C Adaptable standards, which means they can be easily adapted to meet changing accessibility needs and support tenants to remain at home as they grow older.

The homes are well located close to schools, shops and medical services, and public transport options including light rail.

“[They] are ready to welcome new tenants and families most in need of housing support,” Ms Berry said.

The ACT government states it has already delivered close to 400 homes under the government’s commitment, and more than 700 are being designed or constructed.

“Today’s announcement is another step towards providing more people in need with public housing that is safe, secure, and appropriate for tenants’ needs,” Ms Berry said.

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