Seven new public housing homes will soon be ready for tenants to move into, the ACT Government has announced. Their construction nears completion in West Belconnen. 

The new homes have Class C adaptable features like adjustable kitchen benches, bathrooms suitable for disabled people, external wheelchair ramps and access pathways, double-glazed windows, and an average energy efficiency rating of 7.4, making them easier and cheaper to heat and cool.

The new homes are close to schools, shops, services, and transport and add to the category of public housing in highest demand: 80 per cent of all housing applicants can be housed in a two-bedroom dwelling.

“It’s really important that the ACT’s new public housing is accessible and liveable for everyone,” Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, said.

“These homes are the embodiment of the ACT Government’s commitment to public housing properties that match how people want to live and where they want to live.”

More than 600 homes have already been delivered under the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program, and another 568 are under design or construction.

Under the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program, the ACT Government intends to deliver 1,400 new homes, increasing the total number of public housing properties by 400 homes. The program has, however, been criticised by the Canberra Liberals and the ACT Greens.

“The Government continues progressing its vision of more safe, secure and affordable homes for Canberrans experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability,” Ms Berry said. 

“With the second highest proportion of public housing out of any jurisdiction in the country, the ACT Government continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to providing high quality public housing.”